Teen allegedly set home on fire as family of 4 slept inside in plot to kill friend
An open 5-gallon propane tank and a homemade Molotov cocktail were found at the scene of the inferno. Lee County Sheriff
A 14-year-old boy has been arrested in southwest Florida after authorities say he intentionally set a house on fire while a family of four was sleeping inside, allegedly targeting a teenage friend.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and firefighters responded to a residential fire in Lehigh Acres at approximately 6 a.m. on January 3. At the scene, investigators found an open five-gallon propane tank near the front door and a homemade Molotov cocktail.
All four occupants escaped the burning home through a window and were not injured, authorities said.
Witnesses told investigators the suspect had been parked nearby before the fire and briefly spoke with the residents afterward, asking what had happened, before leaving the area.
The teen was later located and arrested at his home. Investigators said he admitted to bringing the propane tank to the residence and using a gas-filled bottle to ignite the fire. Authorities allege he confessed to starting the blaze with the intent to kill someone inside the home. Sheriff Carmine Marceno told WINK News that the intended target was the suspect’s teenage friend.
The mother of the intended victim described the incident as deeply traumatic, saying her family was forced to flee through windows as the fire blocked the front entrance.
“No one was injured, but it’s something you relive over and over,” she told the station. “You’re afraid it could happen again.”
The motive for the alleged attack has not been released. The teen is facing multiple charges, including four counts of attempted felony murder, arson, occupied burglary, making a destructive device, and possession or use of a weapon.
“This is a horrifying act committed by a juvenile,” Sheriff Marceno said. “We’re thankful no one was hurt and that the suspect is now in custody.”
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