by Lake Kerr, Florida — A Florida teenager is facing serious criminal charges after authorities say he intentionally set a friend on fire during a gathering on a small island, while other teens laughed and recorded the incident on video.
The disturbing incident happened on Kauffman Island in Lake Kerr on January 11, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Incident Captured on Cell Phone Video
Investigators say a group of four teens were sitting around a bonfire on the island when alcohol was being consumed and a gasoline can was brought into the situation.
According to law enforcement, 17-year-old Bradey Ming began pouring gasoline onto the fire, causing flames to flare upward.
Cell phone footage obtained by investigators allegedly shows Ming asking the group:
“Do you want to be on fire?”
Moments later, authorities say Ming ran toward one of his friends, pouring gasoline at the teen’s feet and legs. The fuel ignited almost immediately.
The victim can be seen running while engulfed in flames, as other teens are heard laughing in the background.
Victim Suffered Severe Burns
Witnesses and police reports indicate the burning teen was urged by others to jump into the nearby lake, which eventually extinguished the flames.
The teen suffered serious burns to:
- Both legs
- Arms and hands
- Buttocks
He was airlifted to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, where he was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit.
Doctors diagnosed him with:
- Second-degree burns to his right hand, leg, and buttocks
- Deep full-thickness burns on both lower legs and his left thigh
Victim Initially Lied to Parents
According to investigators, the injured teen initially told his mother that he had accidentally thrown a gasoline bottle onto the fire and it ignited in his hand.
However, the teen’s father later discovered the video of the incident and contacted the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim later admitted he lied because Ming allegedly told him not to tell anyone what really happened, stating the incident was difficult to talk about.
Despite the severity of the injuries, arrest records indicate the victim told investigators he was still “cool” with Ming following his hospitalization.
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Witness Statements and Investigation Findings
A witness who police said provided an accurate account confirmed that Ming had chased the teen after pouring gasoline.
The witness claimed there was no argument before the incident and suggested Ming did not act with malicious intent, saying the group had built the bonfire because it was cold.
Despite those claims, investigators determined the act was intentional enough to warrant felony charges.
Teen Turns Himself In
Ming later turned himself in to authorities, with video showing him hugging his visibly emotional mother in a parking lot before being taken into custody.
He has been charged with felony aggravated battery and is currently being held at the Marion County Jail without bail, according to officials.
The case remains under review by prosecutors.
Ongoing Concerns Over Dangerous “Pranks”
Authorities emphasized that using flammable substances around people is extremely dangerous and can lead to life-threatening injuries or death, regardless of intent.
Officials also noted the role of peer behavior and filming incidents rather than intervening.
Should teens who film dangerous acts be held accountable as well? Share your thoughts in the comments.
