On Thursday, October 24, 2024, around 2p.m., Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a family disturbance at a residence on Sunset Circle Lake in Lake Alfred. The suspect, 35-year-old Ronald Beasley Jr., allegedly set the house on fire before fleeing the scene. Deputies arriving at the location observed heavy smoke coming from the residence. They quickly established a perimeter, evacuated nearby homes, and ensured that all occupants of the burning house were safely evacuated. Although deputies attempted to use fire extinguishers, the flames were too intense to contain and the Polk County Fire Rescue arrived shortly after, successfully extinguishing the fire, though the home suffered significant damage.
Detectives from PCSO immediately launched an investigation and according to the victim, an argument broke out between her and Beasley Jr. due to his drug addiction. Inside the residence at the time were a 4-month-old baby and a cat. In an attempt to avoid further confrontation, the victim locked herself and the baby in a bathroom.