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Man Beaten, Set On Fire, Dumped In Container Along Local Highway

YOUNG TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- Police say a man found along a highway in Young Township, Indiana County, had been beaten, stuffed in a container, dumped on the side of the road, set on fire and almost shot.

"It's really an unbelievable set of circumstances when you start to look at all the factors that played into this particular incident," State Trooper John Matchik said.

Police say three people tried to buy drugs together Monday evening in Pittsburgh.

Investigators say when the victim apparently sold two people cocaine they could not smoke, they argued and then the situation turned violent.

"They strip him down to his boxer shorts and socks, bind his hands and his feet, ultimately placing him in a large plastic tote container," Matchik said.

They pushed him out of the car. One suspect tried to shoot him, but the gun jammed.

Another suspect set him on fire. He ran off half naked into the woods only to be discovered by a passing motorist on Route 286.

Police have made one arrest.

"It's still very much an active investigation," Matchik said. "So, we are still working the leads that we've established trying to locate this second suspect, but at this time, I'm not exactly certain what particular charges that particular suspect will be facing."

The victim was treated for bruises and burns and is expected to recover. He too could be facing charges related to the drug transaction.

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