Florida Teen Charged With Attempted Murder After Allegedly Setting Lehigh Acres Home on Fire While Family Slept Inside
LEHIGH ACRES, FLORIDA — A 14-year-old boy has been arrested in Lee County after authorities say he intentionally set fire to a home in Lehigh Acres while a family of four was sleeping inside, allegedly attempting to kill a person he described as a “friend.” The family was able to escape the burning home through a window, avoiding serious injury.
Fire Set While Family Slept Inside the Home
According to investigators, the incident unfolded when the teen allegedly ignited a fire at the front of the residence, trapping the occupants inside as flames spread. Deputies later discovered an open five-gallon propane tank and a homemade Molotov cocktail at the front door, indicating the fire was deliberately set.
Authorities say the family — including children — was asleep at the time and only escaped after realizing the home was filling with smoke and flames.
Homemade Incendiary Devices Found at Scene
Law enforcement officials reported finding improvised incendiary materials at the scene, including a propane tank connected to the fire and a homemade explosive device, escalating the seriousness of the case. Investigators believe the fire was meant to cause maximum harm to the people inside the residence.
The blaze caused visible fire damage to the front entryway and surrounding structure before emergency crews were able to extinguish it.
Teen Accused of Targeting ‘Friend’ in Violent Attack
Authorities allege the teen intended to kill someone he referred to as a “friend,” though the exact motive behind the attack has not been publicly detailed. Investigators are continuing to examine the relationship between the suspect and the intended victim, as well as how the teen obtained materials used in the attack. Officials have not released the suspect’s name due to his age.
Serious Felony Charges Filed
The teen has been taken into custody and is facing multiple serious felony charges, including attempted felony murder, arson, burglary, and making a destructive device. Prosecutors will determine whether the suspect will remain in juvenile court or be charged as an adult due to the severity of the allegations. Court records indicate the teen is currently being held in a juvenile detention facility.
Community Shocked by Close Call
Neighbors and community members expressed shock that such a violent act allegedly occurred in a residential neighborhood, especially with children inside the home. Authorities emphasized that the situation could have resulted in multiple fatalities if the family had not escaped in time.
Fire officials praised the family’s quick actions, saying their escape likely prevented a tragic outcome. What are your thoughts on juvenile suspects facing adult-level charges in cases involving extreme violence? Share your perspective and follow ongoing updates from SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com as this case develops.
