Angela Dawn Bienvenue of Lufkin said she was trying to commit suicide.
Car Fire and Possible Suicide Attempt at Hospital, LIVINGSTON, August 23, 2009 - At approximately 4:40 am on August 23, 2009, Hospital Security Guard John Baker, 40, of Livingston was making his rounds when he spotted a vehicle in the parking lot of the Arts Building at Livingston Memorial Hospital. The car was a silver late model Chevy Malibu. When Baker approached, he noticed someone was in the car with the seat reclined. Baker opened the door to find a heavily intoxicated Angela Dawn Bienvenue, 43, of Lufkin. Bienvenue told Baker that she was trying to kill herself and that she had started the fire. Baker sat Bienvenue down away from the vehicle and went into the Hospital and retrieved a fire extinguisher. After placing a call the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Livingston Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the scene. Baker used a fire extinguisher and had the fire out before firemen arrived. Livingston Police Department dispatched Sergeant Ronnie Bogany and Officer Jason Thomas to the scene. Bienvenue was taken into the hospital to be treated. There was a bottle of Crown Royal Whiskey in the trunk that was nearly drained, and a prescription bottle in the windshield dash-board that was empty. Baker's quick response saved a life and saved the car from being totaled. The police investigated, filed a report, and the incident remains under investigation. The scene was cleared by 5:30 am.
A special thank you to Assignment Editor, Stash Anderson.
The fire was in close proximity to the gas tank. Fortunately the gas tank didn't ingnite.
A coat of fire extinguisher dust on a bottle of Crown Royal Whiskey that was nearly drained (found in trunk).
An empty prescription bottle visible through the windshield laying on the dashboard.
Baker found Bienvenue passed out in this reclined seat as the car was burning.
Security Guard John Baker (left) tells Sergeant Ronnie Bogany and Officer Jason Thomas what happened.
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