LAKELAND, FL — A 69-year-old man, Eddie Lee Thomas, has been arrested and charged with first-degree arson and five counts of attempted first-degree murder after allegedly setting a fire that severely injured two people and endangered three others inside a Lakeland home.
The incident occurred early Thursday, May 15, on Dawn Heights Drive, where Polk County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a house fire. Five people were inside the residence. Two suffered serious burns, including one man who had to crawl out using a walker and was later airlifted to a burn center in Bradenton.
According to investigators, Thomas — a resident of the home — asked a fellow tenant for a ride around 3:15 a.m. When refused, he requested jumper cables while holding a plastic milk jug containing an unknown liquid. Moments later, other residents reported smelling gasoline and hearing a loud “boom.” Flames quickly spread through the hallway.
Multiple residents had to escape through windows or crawl through smoke-filled hallways. One resident noticed a fire trail outside the house, leading from an oak tree directly to the front yard and into the residence. All survivors reported a strong smell of accelerant and slippery, wet floors. Fire Marshal investigators detected six accelerant points and two pour patterns, confirming arson.
Two residents witnessed Thomas backing out of the yard in a red Chevrolet truck and fleeing the scene. He was later taken into custody on May 20.
Officials stated the fire followed an eviction notice served to Thomas, who was ordered to vacate the home by May 20, 2025, due to unpaid rent and disputes.
Extensive Criminal History
Thomas is no stranger to law enforcement. His criminal record spans five decades, including:
A 1986 second-degree murder conviction after killing his wife during a burglary.
Multiple stints in state prison, including time served for sexual battery and lewd/lascivious acts.
Registered sex offender status and multiple violations of probation.
He was most recently released from prison in June 2023 and from probation in January 2024.
Sheriff Grady Judd condemned the act:
“This was a deliberate and dangerous act that put multiple lives at risk. 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.”
The house was declared a total loss, and the investigation is ongoing.
