Man in serious condition after setting himself on fire

Monday, Nov. 20, 2000 | 4:58 a.m.

A 40-year-old man in University Medical Center's burn unit was upgraded to serious condition Monday after setting himself and his pickup on fire in the desert.

Richard Brewer originally told Las Vegas police he was the victim of a carjacking Saturday night.

He told police Monday, however, that he was despondent and had attempted to take his own life by lighting the vehicle on fire. When he was unsuccessful, police said Brewer made up the story about being kidnapped.

A Las Vegas police helicopter spotted Brewer wandering naked through the desert about 11 a.m. on Sunday.

Brewer suffered second- and third-degree burns over 40 percent of his body. His clothes were singed from his body.

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