A dispute over an ex-girlfriend ended in a hospital visit and a felony arrest Wednesday morning after a Lake Wales man allegedly beat an acquaintance with a golf club while he slept.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the area of Myrtle Avenue and State Road 60 on April 15, 2026, following reports of a violent physical altercation. Investigators identified the suspect as 54-year-old Reuben “Buddy” Free, III.
According to the sheriff’s office reports, the victim was asleep in his home when he was suddenly awoken by the impact of a golf club. Authorities say Free struck the man approximately five times.
Witnesses at the scene told deputies that the attack was fueled by Free’s suspicion that the victim was involved with his former girlfriend.
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Bystanders stepped in to end the assault, successfully disarming Free before deputies arrived. When law enforcement later located Free, he refused to provide a statement or discuss the details of the incident.
The victim was transported to a local hospital with injuries that investigators believe include several broken bones.
Free was taken into custody and officially charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, a second-degree felony.
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