A 15-year-old US boy was sprayed with rubbing alcohol before being set alight by a gang in what one police officer said was "the most heinous crime I have ever seen".
Michael Brewer from Florida suffered second-degree burns over 80 percent of his body after the attack at an apartment complex on Monday, CNN reports.
Police officers said Michael was waiting for friends after wagging school when a group of youths approached him.
A witness said they heard one of the boys yell "he's a snitch, he's a snitch" and "pour it on him" before Michael was doused in flammable liquid — believed to be rubbing alcohol — and set alight.
Police said Michael owed the suspect $43 for a video game but he had not paid it.
The suspect had stolen Michael's father's bicycle, which Michael reported to police.
The suspect was arrested that day, taken to a detention centre and later released to his parents.
Five youths were arrested on Tuesday night after the attack on Michael, Sergeant Steve Feeley was quoted as saying.
"A couple of them last night were laughing about it," he said.
"One of them arrested today seems genuinely sorry about it."
A resident used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames before Michael jumped into the apartment complex's swimming pool.
