(Polk County Sheriff’s Office)
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. (WFLA) — A Polk County man has been charged with attempted murder and animal cruelty after allegedly setting fire to a home while a 4-month-old baby and a woman were inside. The shocking incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon at a residence on Sunset Circle in Lake Alfred, following a heated argument related to the suspect’s drug addiction.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 35-year-old Ronald Beasley Jr. was involved in an altercation with the woman, who subsequently locked herself in a bathroom with the baby. During this tense situation, Beasley broke into the bathroom after the woman threatened to call 911. Fearing for their safety, she managed to escape and lock the front door, preventing him from re-entering the home, FOX13 Tampa reported.
It was at this point that the woman reportedly heard a loud boom from outside. A neighbor observed flames erupting from the house and yelled for the woman to evacuate. Witnesses reported seeing Beasley leaving the backyard, declaring, “You need to go get the baby from inside the house because I just set it on fire.”
Upon arrival, fire crews quickly established a perimeter and evacuated nearby residents, successfully rescuing the woman and the baby from the burning home. Unfortunately, the family cat did not survive and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Beasley was apprehended a few blocks away from the incident. Sheriff Grady Judd expressed his relief that the victims escaped unharmed but condemned Beasley’s actions, stating, “This violent suspect’s actions put innocent lives in serious danger, and we are grateful that the victims made it out safely. 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.”
The charges against Beasley include attempted first-degree murder, animal cruelty, false imprisonment, tampering with a witness, and first-degree arson. He has a prior criminal history that includes charges of throwing a deadly missile into a vehicle, felony battery, and domestic violence.
This case remains under investigation as authorities gather further evidence. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to ensuring that justice is served in this troubling incident. As the investigation continues, community members are left grappling with the shocking nature of the crime and the dangers posed by domestic violence and substance abuse.
The harrowing experience has raised awareness about the need for support systems for individuals facing addiction and the potential dangers such situations can pose to families. Local advocates and officials stress the importance of seeking help and the resources available for those in need.
