LAKE ALFRED, Fla. – An argument allegedly over drug addiction ended with one Polk County mother and child run for their lives to escape a house fire that killed a cat, which deputies say was set by a violent suspect.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Ronald Beasley Jr., 35, got into an argument with the victim about his drug use around 2 p.m. Thursday at a home on Sunset Circle Lake in Lake Alfred.

Deputies say the victim locked herself in a bathroom, along with a four-month-old baby, to avoid an altercation with Beasley Jr.

But according to PCSO, Beasley Jr. broke into the bathroom but ran out when the victim threatened to call 911.

After locking the front door, deputies say the victim heard a loud boom outside the home and a witness, who saw the house on fire, yelled for the victim to come out.

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A neighbor who saw what was going on told detectives he saw Beasley Jr. leaving the backyard and said Beasley Jr. told him, “You have to get the baby from inside the house because I set it on fire.”

Deputies found Beasley Jr. a few streets away from the home and arrested him.

“The actions of this violent suspect put innocent lives in grave danger, and we are grateful that the victims made it out safely,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “Setting fire to a home with a baby and family pet inside is not only reckless but shows a complete disregard for life. We are determined to seek justice for the victims and ensure that this suspect is held fully accountable for his actions.” “

Beasley Jr. was charged with attempted first-degree murder, animal cruelty, false imprisonment and tampering with a witness.

He has also been charged with first-degree arson by the state fire marshal.

Polk County Fire Rescue extinguished the house fire, which caused “extensive damage to the home.”

The incident is still under investigation.

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