A homeless man is clinging to life after police say someone set the van he called home on fire in Mastic, scorching the victim Sunday.

Investigators say they arrived before 5 a.m. at Laundry Experience, where they found the vehicle engulfed in flames behind the business. They also found a man with up to 45 percent of his body burned. Linda Scaturro, a manager at the business, says she heard a loud bang and ran outside where she saw the victim, she identifies as Steve, ripping off his clothes. She says he was bleeding from his head and face and told her, "They beat me up."

Scaturro says the divorced father of two grown children had a few tough breaks, causing him to live behind Laundry Experience since October. Friends say Steve was kind and willing to share with others who were also in need. Police are offering up to $5,000 for information leading to a conviction. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.