A Florida teenager has been arrested after video captured him intentionally setting his friend on fire by dousing him with gasoline during a gathering where alcohol was involved. The shocking incident occurred on January 11 at Kauffmans Island in Lake Kerr, approximately 50 miles southeast of Gainesville.
Video Captures Horrific Assault
Before igniting his friend, the 17-year-old suspect, identified as Bradey Ming, asked the victim, "Do you want to be set on fire?" According to the Palm Beach Post, the victim claimed he was attempting to run away when the fire was lit. An arrest affidavit described the teen "with a gas canister pouring gasoline on the juvenile victim." The teens had been "hanging out" and "drinking alcohol" prior to the assault.
Severe Injuries and Delayed Medical Response
The victim suffered second-degree burns to his right hand, leg, and bottom, as reported by FOX35. He also sustained "deep full thickness" burns to his lower body. After being set ablaze, the victim ran into Lake Kerr to extinguish the flames, with a witness heard screaming, "Oh my God. Get in the lake." Shockingly, others present laughed and inquired if the moment was recorded.
Following the incident, the teens returned to one of their houses using jet skis before deciding to rush the burn victim to a hospital. He was subsequently life-flighted to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville and admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit for treatment of his injuries.
Investigation and Arrest
Bradey Ming turned himself in on January 29 and is being held without bond, facing a felony aggravated battery charge. The Marion County Sheriff's Office made the arrest after the victim's father discovered video evidence contradicting the initial story. Initially, the victim told his mother he was burned when a water bottle containing gasoline exploded while he was trying to throw it into a fire.
The victim later admitted he lied because Ming "did not want him to say anything about the incident." He confirmed knowing Ming "for some time" and talking to him "routinely," expressing confusion over why he was targeted, stating he thought he was "cool" with Ming.
Witness Statements and Legal Proceedings
A witness claimed the fire was started due to cold weather, suggesting Ming was not arguing with the victim and apparently not trying to hurt him. However, an investigator noted in a police affidavit that a reasonable person would conclude the combination of gasoline and fire could cause serious harm.
Ming was booked into the Marion County Juvenile Justice Center. Police attempted to contact his mother, but she informed law enforcement "she and her son would not speak to me at the advice of an attorney." The victim's name was redacted in documents provided by authorities.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the Marion County Sheriff's Office for further comment on the case.
