A Marion County man on felony probation is facing new charges of arson, battery, criminal mischief, and probation violation after deputies say he threatened suicide, attacked his girlfriend, and burned down a house—all in one chaotic afternoon.
Deputies responded July 31 to a reported domestic disturbance involving Charlie Sanders, who was said to be intoxicated, suicidal, and destroying property. According to reports, Sanders had accused his live-in girlfriend of cheating, shoved her to the ground, and smashed the rear windshield of her car—causing an estimated $700 in damage. A witness corroborated the assault and vandalism, and responding deputies observed glass in the driveway and bruising on the victim’s leg.
But the situation escalated quickly.
When law enforcement arrived at the home, they found Sanders next to a ladder and a hanging cord. He allegedly refused to come out, telling deputies he was going to “light it up like Christmas.” Moments later, he attempted to hang himself as deputies watched from outside.
Deputies rushed inside to save him—lifting him by the legs to relieve pressure on the noose. As they pulled him out of the house, flames erupted behind them. The room where Sanders had been moments before was reportedly engulfed in fire. Fire rescue arrived to contain the blaze, but the residence was a total loss.
Sanders, who has six prior battery convictions in St. Lucie County, was on active felony probation for battery. His alleged actions violated that probation just five weeks into a three-year term. He is now being held at the Marion County Jail on multiple charges related to the fire, the domestic incident, and the probation violation.
Authorities confirmed the fire is being classified as second-degree arson, and the investigation is ongoing.
