Authorities in Lee County, Florida, have arrested a 14-year-old boy accused of deliberately setting a residential home on fire while a family of four was asleep inside, in what investigators say was a plot to kill one of the occupants.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, emergency responders were called to a house fire in Lehigh Acres at about 6:00 a.m. on January 3. Upon arrival, firefighters and deputies discovered a five-gallon propane tank near the front door of the home, along with a homemade incendiary device, indicating the fire had been intentionally set.
Police said all four occupants of the house were able to escape through a window after the fire blocked the front entrance. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Investigators stated that several witnesses saw a teenage boy parked down the street shortly before and after the fire.
The suspect allegedly approached the home briefly, asked the residents what had happened, and then left the area.
Based on witness accounts and subsequent investigation, deputies identified and located the suspect at his residence.
During questioning, the teenager reportedly admitted to transporting the propane tank to the scene and igniting the fire using a bottle filled with gasoline.
Authorities further alleged that the teen confessed his actions were intended to kill one of the occupants, identified as a teenage friend.
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno described the incident as deeply disturbing, noting that the alleged actions placed multiple lives at risk.
He confirmed that the suspect has been charged with four counts of attempted felony murder, arson, occupied burglary, making a destructive device, and possession or use of a weapon.
The mother of the intended target, Namiry Enrique Alvarez, described the incident as traumatic for her family, saying the experience has left them fearful and unable to sleep.
She recounted how she and her family escaped through windows as the fire rapidly spread through their home.
Authorities have not disclosed the motive behind the alleged attack, and investigations remain ongoing. The suspect, whose identity is being withheld due to his age, is currently in custody under juvenile justice procedures.
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