A Polk County man was charged with attempted murder and animal cruelty after deputies said he set a home on fire, with a 4-month-old and a woman inside.
On Thursday afternoon, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said 35-year-old Ronald Beasley Jr. set fire to a home on Sunset Circle in Lake Alfred, following an altercation with a woman.
The victim told detectives they had gotten into an argument over Beasley’s drug addiction, while a 4-month-old and cat were inside the home. The woman said she locked herself in a bathroom with the baby, but Beasley broke into the bathroom and fled outside after she threatened to call 911.
Deputies said the woman then locked the front door to keep Beasley from getting back inside.
That’s when the woman said she heard a loud boom from outside the home. A neighbor saw flames and yelled for the woman to get out of the house.
According to detectives, the witness watched as Beasley left the backyard of the home, saying “You need to go get the baby from inside the house because I just set it on fire.”
When fire crews arrived, they established a perimeter, evacuated neighbors, and got the woman and child safely out of the home. However, the cat was pronounced dead inside.
Beasley was found a few blocks from the home and was taken into custody.
“This violent suspect’s actions put innocent lives in serious danger, and we are grateful that the victims made it out safely,” Sheriff Grady Judd said. ‘Setting a fire in a home with a baby and family pet inside is not only reckless but shows a complete disregard for life. We are committed to pursuing justice for the victims and ensuring this suspect is held fully accountable for his actions.”
Beasley was charged with attempted first-degree murder, animal cruelty, false imprisonment, tampering with a witness, and first-degree arson. He has a previous arrest involving throwing a deadly missile into a vehicle, felony battery, and domestic violence.
This remains an ongoing investigation.
Comprehensive Legal Support for Fire Accident Victims
If you or a loved one has been affected by a fire accident, the aftermath can be devastating. At Ovadia Law Group, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that fire incidents can have on victims and their families. Our team specializes in representing fire accident victims, providing comprehensive legal support to help you navigate the complexities of your case. We conduct thorough investigations to determine the cause of the fire and identify responsible parties, whether they be landlords, manufacturers, or negligent individuals. Our dedicated attorneys will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, property damage, and emotional suffering. Don’t face this challenging time alone—reach out to us at 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation and let us help you find a path to recovery.
Source: wfla
