A youth was taken into custody for reportedly setting his companion ablaze during an intoxicated outing. The pair had gone to Kauffmans Island in Lake Kerr, roughly 50 miles southeast of Gainesville, for what was supposed to be a pleasant evening on January 11. However, the situation turned grim for one of them.
Video evidence provided by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office captured the suspect, identified as 17-year-old Bradey Ming, asking the victim if he wanted to be set on fire. Ming was then filmed pouring gasoline on the victim from a gas canister. A witness can be heard on the video shouting, “Oh my God. Get in the lake,” as the victim fled into the water while engulfed in flames.
Authorities stated that the teen was playing with fire, inadvertently igniting a trail that led to the victim catching fire. The injured victim was promptly taken to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville and admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit due to his burns.
The victim sustained second-degree burns on his right hand, leg, and buttocks, as well as serious burns on his lower body. Ming was apprehended by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and is facing a felony aggravated battery charge related to the incident. He surrendered himself and has been detained without bail since January 29.
Initially, the victim could not recall the incident, claiming he was trying to throw a gasoline-filled water bottle into a fire that unexpectedly exploded and burned his legs. However, his father uncovered a video showing that Ming deliberately set him ablaze and presented it to the authorities. The victim mentioned that he had known Ming for some time and regularly conversed with him.
A witness stated that Ming and the victim were not arguing that night, and Ming did not appear to intend harm. Nonetheless, an investigator highlighted that the use of gasoline and fire could reasonably result in severe injuries.
Ming was placed in the Marion County Juvenile Justice Center, as reported by WCJB. The Mirror has sought a comment from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
