Lake Wales man arrested for attacking acquaintance with golf club

LAKE WALES, Florida — A 54-year-old man from Lake Wales was arrested after allegedly attacking an acquaintance with a golf club, according to authorities.

On April 15, 2026, deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an assault in the area of Myrtle Avenue and State Road 60. The suspect, identified as Reuben “Buddy” Free, III, allegedly struck the victim approximately five times with a golf club while the victim was asleep in his residence.

Witnesses reported that prior to the attack, Free accused the victim of being involved with his ex-girlfriend. They intervened and managed to take the golf club away from Free. Deputies later contacted Free, but he refused to discuss the incident, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office…

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