Man sets home on fire with five neighbors inside: Deputies
Share this @internewscast.com

Background: A portion of Dawn Heights Drive in Lakeland, Florida (Google Maps) Inset: Eddie Thomas (Polk County Sheriff’s Office)

A Florida felon is now facing attempted murder charges after allegedly setting his residence on fire while five roommates were sleeping inside.

The episode unfolded when Eddie Thomas, 69, entered a roommate’s room around 3:15 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, requesting a ride, as detailed by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. When refused, Thomas then asked for jumper cables to “give him a jump.”

More from Law&Crime: Man who ‘had enough’ of girlfriend shoots her during fight, stands over body and continues firing until she’s dead: Cops

The roommate again said no, deputies learned, citing the time and noticing that Thomas was holding a plastic milk jug “containing an unknown liquid.”

Soon after, according to PCSO, the roommate said he smelled gas and heard a “boom,” opening his bedroom door to find flames in the hallway.

All five of Thomas’s roommates reportedly ran into difficulties in the mayhem that ensued.

According to the sheriff’s office investigation, the roommate, who relies on a walker, fell while trying to reach the front door. He had to crawl to safety, sustaining burns on his hands and feet. Another roommate reported being awakened by someone shouting about the fire, forcing him to escape through his bedroom window as flames overtook the hallway.

A third victim reportedly ran to the front door also trying to escape the burning building, but he tripped over another roommate, while an additional resident couldn’t be interviewed because he required emergency surgery for his wounds.

The final victim said he was going to use the bathroom when he saw Thomas walking throughout the home. Shortly after, he claimed he heard splashing sounds, smelled kerosene, and heard a sound “similar to a fire being ignited,” deputies said. This same witness, upon getting outside, recounted seeing a fire path stretching from the house to an oak tree to the front yard.

More from Law&Crime: Jilted boyfriend killed ex and 3 roommates ‘as they peacefully slept in their beds,’ then lit house on fire to cover it up: Police

Two of the victims reported seeing Thomas leaving the yard in his red truck and driving away, according to investigators, who said they found six areas where the fire could have been lit or accelerated. The home was completely destroyed.

“If you look at this guy, you’ll see pure evil in the flesh,” PCSO Sheriff Grady Judd said during a news conference on Friday, per local outlet WESH.

“This was a deliberate and dangerous act that put multiple lives at risk,” Judd added in a news release. “Eddie Thomas showed a complete disregard for human life yet again when he set this fire, knowing the victims were inside. Thanks to our detectives, we have him in custody, and justice will be served.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Chef Accused of Fatally Assaulting Wife in Hotel Room with Multiple Objects, Authorities Report

Inset: Jeffrey C. MacDonald (WWLP). Background: The UMass Amherst Hotel, where MacDonald…

Tragedy Strikes: Cyclist Fatally Attacked by Aggressive Driver During Bike Unveiling

Left: Rory Horowitz (Bernalillo County Sheriff”s Office). Right: Ellyssa Salazar (Bernalillo County…

Victorian Father Allegedly Threatens Airport Explosion, Causes Uproar in Courtroom

A Victorian father accused of threatening to blow up Perth Airport could…

Flag Protection Controversy: Katter United Party Pushes for Jail Time in Australia

Queenslanders who burn the Australian flag in public could face jail time…

Alert Issued on Subtle Scam Targeting Elderly Australians

Older members of the community are urged to be on their guard…

Homeless Man Arrested for Assault with Stolen Guitar in Unexpected Downtown Incident

Staff Report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities apprehended Charles Michael Treadway, 65, yesterday…

Queensland Carjacking Case: Court Upholds Conviction of Teen in Tragic Grandmother’s Death

A teenager who killed a Queensland grandmother and triggered landmark youth justice…

Double Murder Suspect Shouts for Mother During Court Appearance

Courtroom footage of Reginald Louis Jackson yelling at the judge during his…

Video Allegedly Captures Man’s Disturbing Reaction to Teen’s Tragic Death

Inset left: Enrique Aguilar (Harris County Jail). Inset right: Mariah Alatorre (Obituary).…

Police Uncover Shocking Scheme: Man Allegedly Impersonates Missing Brother to Sell Family Home

Inset, left to right: Ted Harris (Facebook/WSB) and Kenneth Lee Harris (Cobb…

Tragic Apartment Fire Claims Lives of Three Children; Investigation Reveals Hazardous Living Conditions

Background: A photo of the fire damage to Joshua Kannin”s apartment in…

Repeat Offender Faces Arrest After Allegedly Threatening Pregnant Woman with Firearm

In Gainesville, Florida, a serious incident unfolded yesterday involving a man identified…