A Carson City teen remained in custody Thursday after allegedly setting fire to the pants of a sleeping friend.

The 17-year-old, whose name was withheld because of his age, was charged with battery.

According to Carson City Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Steve Schuette, the 20-year-old victim went to Carson-Tahoe Hospital Wednesday about 11 a.m. and told hospital workers his pants had been lit on fire after attending a party.

“He said he woke up to the smell of something burning, looked around and saw it was his left leg, and immediately got up and ran outside to try to put the flames out,” Schuette said.

Police went to 206 N. Carson Meadows, the alleged location of the party, and began to question several juveniles, Schuette said.

“They were very uncooperative and appeared to be under the influence of something,” he said.

Eventually, the 17-year-old admitted to deputies he was responsible.

“He said he lit a shoelace on fire as a practical joke, with no intention of hurting” the victim, he said.

The 20-year-old suffered a serious burn to his left leg, Schuette said.

Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.