A 17-year-old identified by authorities as Bradey Ming has been arrested after video footage allegedly showed him pouring gasoline on a friend and setting him on fire during a bonfire gathering in Lake Kerr, Florida, officials say.
What Happened
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and court documents, the incident occurred on Jan. 11 on Kauffman Island in Lake Kerr. Investigators say surveillance or cellphone video obtained by authorities shows Ming handling a gas can near a fire, pouring a trail of fuel toward a chair where another teenage boy was seated, and then dousing him with gasoline.
Bradey Ming's mug shotMarion County Sheriff's Office
Video and Witness Accounts
The probable cause affidavit — reviewed by local outlets including Fox affiliate WOFL and ABC affiliate WCJB and reported by PEOPLE — describes footage in which Ming appears to ask the other teen, "You want to be set on fire?" Moments later the boy is seen catching fire and other teens at the scene urge him to jump into the lake to extinguish the flames.
Injuries and Hospitalization
The victim, a minor whose name has not been released, was transported to a hospital with burns to his hands and to the backs of his legs and arms, according to police. The affidavit says the boy initially told his parents the burns occurred after he tried to throw a gasoline-filled water bottle into the fire, but his father later showed authorities the video of the incident.
Footage from incident on Lake Keer, FloridaMarion County Sheriff's Office
Investigation and Charges
Detectives say the victim told them he and Ming had been part of a group of teens drinking alcohol at the bonfire when Ming began "messing" with the flames. The victim and a witness both told police that Ming created a trail of fuel leading to the seated teen and then splashed him with gasoline; after igniting, the victim ran into the lake to put out the flames.
Officials say there was no known argument beforehand and that the two teens had been "cool," according to the affidavit. The victim also told investigators he initially concealed the incident after Ming allegedly asked him not to tell his parents.
Ming later turned himself in to authorities. Video shared by WCJB shows him hugging his crying mother before being taken into custody. He is being held without bond on a felony aggravated battery charge, according to an arrest warrant and reporting from WOFL.
Note on Reporting
Details above are based on statements in the probable cause affidavit and local media reports. The allegations described are from law enforcement documents; the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
