Elderly Oklahoma man sets himself on fire as police attempt to serve eviction notice

A tragic incident unfolded in Oklahoma on Monday as an 82-year-old man, Anthony Goulding, set himself on fire inside his home while police officers attempted to serve an eviction notice.

According to TMZ, two police officers arrived at Goulding's residence on Monday to carry out the eviction notice. As the officers approached the home, Goulding took drastic action, setting himself and his house ablaze. 

Bodycam footage captured the scene as Goulding made the shocking decision to ignite himself with a lighter.

"Hey! What are you doing," asked one officer on the scene, an Oklahoma County deputy.

“You ready?,” Goulding says as he pulls out a lighter and starts to ignite the carpet soaked in gasoline.

Despite the efforts of the officers to intervene and prevent further harm, Goulding also hurled a gas canister at one of the officers, who narrowly avoided serious injuries.

While one officer sustained minor burns during the chaotic encounter, both officers were subsequently medically cleared. 

Oklahoma County Sheriff Tommie Johnson III later provided insight into the situation, revealing that one of the deputies had been in communication with Goulding and his wife for several weeks leading up to the eviction. Efforts were made to assist the couple in finding alternative housing arrangements, with initial plans for relocation to an extended-stay facility already in place.

While Goulding's wife was safely escorted from the residence, her husband ultimately died from his actions. The motive behind Goulding's decision remains unclear.