Teenager Faces Felony Charge After Alleged Intentional Fire Attack on Friend
A 17-year-old has been arrested and charged with a serious felony after shocking video footage allegedly captured him intentionally setting a friend on fire during a night out. The incident, which occurred on January 11, has led to severe injuries for the victim and legal repercussions for the suspect, identified as Bradey Ming.
Disturbing Video Evidence Emerges from Lake Kerr Outing
The Marion County Sheriff's Office has released distressing video from the event, which took place at Kauffmans Island in Lake Kerr, approximately 50 miles southeast of Gainesville, Florida. The footage reportedly shows Ming, 17, asking the juvenile victim, "Do you want to be set on fire?" before allegedly splashing him with gasoline from a canister.
According to an arrest affidavit, Ming was seen pouring the flammable liquid on the victim, leading to a terrifying scene where witnesses screamed, "Oh my God. Get in the lake," as the victim, engulfed in flames, ran into the water to extinguish the fire. Police reports indicate that Ming was "messing" with the flames, creating a trail that ignited and set the victim ablaze.
Severe Injuries and Hospitalisation Follow the Assault
The victim, whose name has not been disclosed, suffered significant burns and was urgently transported to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville. He was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, highlighting the gravity of his condition. Medical reports detail second-degree burns to his right hand, leg, and bottom, along with "deep full thickness" burns affecting his lower body.
Initially, the victim recounted a different story to his mother, claiming he had been attempting to throw a water bottle containing gasoline into a fire when it exploded, causing his injuries. However, his father later discovered video evidence contradicting this account, showing Ming allegedly setting him on fire intentionally. The father promptly contacted law enforcement with this crucial evidence.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation Details
Bradey Ming was arrested by the Marion County Sheriff's Office and is facing a felony charge of aggravated battery in connection with the fire incident. He turned himself in on January 29 and is currently being held without bond at the Marion County Juvenile Justice Center. The victim told authorities that he had known Ming "for some time" and communicated with him "routinely," suggesting a pre-existing relationship between the two.
Witnesses stated that Ming was not arguing with the victim on the night of the incident and apparently did not intend to harm him. Despite this, an investigator noted that a reasonable person could conclude that combining gasoline and fire would likely result in grave bodily harm. The case continues to develop as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding this alarming act of violence.
Key Points of the Incident:- The attack occurred during a night out at Kauffmans Island in Lake Kerr, Florida.
- Video evidence allegedly shows Ming asking the victim if he wanted to be set on fire before dousing him with gasoline.
- The victim suffered severe burns and was hospitalised in pediatric intensive care.
- Ming has been charged with aggravated battery and is held without bond.
- The victim initially provided a false account before video evidence revealed the truth.
This case underscores the serious consequences of juvenile crime and the role of digital evidence in modern law enforcement. The Marion County Sheriff's Office has been approached for further comment as the legal process unfolds.
