LAKELAND, FL – A Lakeland man is behind bars facing multiple counts of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree arson after allegedly setting his residence on fire with five other people inside, Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced.
The blaze, which occurred on Thursday, May 15, on Dawn Heights Drive, resulted in serious injuries to two residents and the complete destruction of the home.
Eddie Thomas, 69, was taken into custody on Tuesday, May 20, following an investigation into the devastating house fire. Detectives determined Thomas, a resident of the home, was responsible for igniting the inferno.
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According to the Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 3:15 a.m. on May 15 when Thomas allegedly entered another resident’s bedroom requesting a ride. When denied, he asked for jumper cables to “give him a jump.” The victim, noting the early hour and that Thomas was holding a plastic milk jug containing an unknown liquid, refused.
Shortly after Thomas left the room, the victim reported smelling gas, followed by a “boom.” Opening his bedroom door, he discovered flames raging in the hallway. The victim, who has limited mobility and uses a walker, fell while attempting to escape and was forced to crawl to safety, suffering burns to his hands and feet. He was initially transported to a local hospital and later transferred to a specialized burn unit in Bradenton.
Another resident recounted being awakened by yells of “fire!” He attempted to flee through the hallway but was blocked by flames and had to escape by crawling out of his bedroom window. A third victim, also woken by shouts, ran from his bedroom and tripped over another resident who was already on the ground trying to escape near the front door.
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A fourth victim told investigators he had gotten up to use the restroom and observed Thomas walking around the house, which he stated was not unusual. He then heard what he described as splashing noises, smelled kerosene, and heard a sound consistent with a fire being ignited. After hearing someone yell “fire!” he fled his room but found the front door obscured by smoke. He also fell while trying to escape. Once outside, this victim observed a trail of fire extending from an oak tree in the front yard directly into the house.
The fifth victim was unable to be interviewed due to requiring emergency surgery for injuries sustained in the fire.
All surviving victims reported a strong gasoline odor and noted the hallway floor was wet and slippery. Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s office, along with a canine unit, detected six accelerant alert points and identified two distinct pour patterns within the ravaged home.
Two victims witnessed Thomas backing out of the yard in his red Chevrolet truck and fleeing the scene as the fire took hold.
The landlord informed authorities she had received a call from a resident stating Thomas had set the house on fire. She indicated Thomas had lived in the house since 2023 without incident until recently. Due to ongoing disputes and failure to pay rent, Thomas had been served an eviction notice requiring him to vacate the premises by May 20, 2025.
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The home was declared a total loss.
Authorities highlighted Thomas’s prior criminal history, which includes a 1986 conviction for second-degree murder for which he was sentenced to 17 years in prison.
“This was a deliberate and dangerous act that put multiple lives at risk,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “Eddie Thomas showed a complete disregard for human life yet again when he set this fire, knowing the victims were inside. Thanks to our detectives, we have him in custody, and justice will be served.”
Eddie Thomas has been charged with five counts of attempted first-degree murder and one count of first-degree arson.
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