Florida Teen Faces Felony Charges After Setting Friend on Fire in Disturbing Incident
A shocking case of juvenile violence has emerged from Florida, where a teenager has been arrested for allegedly intentionally setting his friend on fire during what was described as a prank gone horrifically wrong. The incident, which occurred on Kauffman Island in Lake Kerr, Florida, on January 11, was captured on cell phone video and has led to serious legal consequences.
Details of the Horrific Prank
According to reports from Fox 35 Orlando and the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Bradey Ming, 17, was with three other friends around a bonfire on the island, where they were drinking alcohol. The situation escalated when Ming began handling a gas can near the fire. Video footage obtained by authorities shows Ming dousing the flames with gasoline, causing them to shoot upward dramatically.
In a chilling moment captured on tape, Ming can be heard asking the group, "Do you want to be on fire?" before proceeding to pour gasoline toward his seated friend, drenching the victim's feet and legs with the flammable liquid. The flames quickly engulfed the teen as he attempted to flee the line of fire created by the gasoline.
Aftermath and Injuries
The other teenagers present reportedly laughed during the incident and urged the burning victim to jump into the nearby lake to extinguish the flames. The victim suffered significant burns to the back of both legs, arms, and hands. He was airlifted to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville and admitted to the pediatrics intensive care unit.
Medical professionals diagnosed the victim with:
- Second-degree burns on his right hand, leg, and buttocks
- Deep full-thickness burns on the lower parts of both legs
- Additional burns on his left thigh
Investigation and Arrest
Initially, the victim told his mother he had been injured when a bottle of gasoline he was throwing at a fire burst into flames in his hand. However, the truth emerged when the boy's father discovered the video of the incident and contacted law enforcement. The victim later explained he had lied because Ming had instructed him not to tell anyone what happened, adding that the incident was difficult to discuss.
Despite the severity of his injuries, the victim reportedly told authorities he was "cool" with Ming after his hospitalization, according to arrest records. A witness provided police with what was described as an accurate account of events, confirming that Ming had chased the victim with gasoline. The witness claimed the group had built the bonfire because of cold weather and that Ming had used gasoline to ignite it, arguing that none of Ming's actions were malicious and there had been no prior argument among the friends.
Ming ultimately turned himself in to authorities, with video of his arrest showing him hugging his weeping mother in a parking lot before surrendering. He is currently being held in Marion County without bail on charges of felony aggravated battery.
Broader Implications
This disturbing case highlights several concerning issues, including:
- The dangers of mixing alcohol with flammable substances
- The role of peer pressure and group dynamics in dangerous behavior
- The psychological impact on victims of violent pranks
- The legal consequences for juvenile offenders in serious assault cases
The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly recreational activities can turn dangerous when proper precautions are not taken and judgment is impaired. As the legal process unfolds, this case will likely prompt discussions about youth safety, responsibility, and the serious nature of what might initially be dismissed as "just a prank."
