Man accused of trying to set fire to fellow patient at Miami hospital

MIAMI — A 63-year-old man was taken into custody Friday after he attempted to set a fellow patient on fire at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital, authorities confirmed in an arrest report Monday.

Miami police and firefighters responded to a fire on the fifth floor of the hospital at 3663 S. Miami Ave. in Coconut Grove, where flames broke out in two separate rooms.

According to authorities, hospital staff informed Miami firefighters that Gary Yuen was missing and was still in one of the rooms at the time the incident was reported.

When paramedics found Yuen in the bathroom, police said he resisted detention and screamed he wanted to die before losing consciousness from smoke inhalation.

Authorities said he was subsequently intubated for smoke-related injuries and the entire fifth floor was evacuated as a precaution.

Detectives from MPD's Fire, Arson and Explosives Bureau later found a cigarette lighter in the bathroom of one of the rooms Yuen entered, which they say is being investigated as a possible cause of the fire.

Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed Yuen leaving his room and entering another patient's room shortly before the fire broke out, according to his arrest report.

The victim, who was receiving oxygen in one of the affected rooms, told investigators the man lit two pillows with a lighter and tried to set her hospital gown on fire, the report said.

Investigators said the victim managed to free herself and escape the room, witnessing flames in both rooms as she escaped.

After being released from the hospital, Yuen was taken into custody Friday and taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where his bond was listed as “to be set” as of Monday afternoon, police said.

Jail records show he faces one count each of attempted first-degree murder, first-degree arson and burglary resulting in assault or battery.

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