One person was arrested after a probation officer was set on fire in central Stockton, officials said Thursday.

Stockton police said it received a call just before 2:30 p.m. from Stanislaus County probation officers requesting assistance in a parking lot under the Crosstown Freeway, in the area of South San Joaquin and East Lafayette streets.

One of the probation officers was located at the scene with significant, but non-life-threatening burns to the arms, police said.

A 39-year-old suspect was also located at the scene and arrested. His name has not been released.

A CBS Sacramento photojournalist observed a car with significant burn damage, as well as a red gas can and a lighter.

Stockton police said the suspect had entered a probation department lobby just a few blocks away from the scene with a gas can and a lighter. The suspect left after being confronted by security.

That situation prompted an officer from the probation department to respond and attempt to contact the suspect, who had walked to the scene at South San Joaquin and East Lafayette.

The officer had contacted the suspect near a vehicle in the parking lot. Stockton police said that is when the suspect used the gas can and lighter to ignite the fire, burning the officer and the vehicle.

That officer has since been hospitalized for treatment. No other injuries were reported.

• Stockton
• Crime