Madison Police say they are investigating what they say is a hate crime, after a woman said someone attacked her with fire and lighter fluid in an incident Wednesday morning.
The 18-year-old woman was driving west on Gorham Street near State Street, four blocks west of the Capitol Building, at about 1 a.m. Wednesday morning.
The woman said she heard a racist remark, then saw four white men approach her car while her window was down.
One man sprayed lighter fluid on her face and neck, according to police. Another man then reportedly threw a lighter with a live flame on her, causing a fire, according to police.
She pulled over, doused the flame, drove home, and then went to the hospital for treatment.
Police are checking outdoor surveillance cameras in order to identify the suspects. They ask anyone with information to call (608) 266-6014 or to click here and share their tips.