Authorities in Florida arrested a man accused of throwing hot grease on his roommate following a heated argument over unwanted guests inside their home.
According to Law & Crime, the incident occurred on October 20, when 54-year-old William Clark attacked his roommate after a verbal confrontation escalated. Police said the victim, whose name has not been released, sustained severe burns to the left side of his face, neck, and upper arm after Clark allegedly threw a pan of grease that he had been using to fry ribs.
Before the attack, Clark reportedly gave his roommate an ultimatum. “Either you leave or I’m gonna make you leave,” Clark told him. The attack was captured on the roommate’s cellphone, which reportedly showed Clark approaching with the pan of grease moments before throwing it.
Authorities Describe Graphic Scene Inside the Residence
Responding officers described the aftermath of the attack as chaotic, with grease splattered across the hallway and walls inside the home. “Grease was found throughout the residence in the hallway where [the victim] said he was when Clark threw it,” authorities said.
According to the investigation, the location of the attack did not allow the victim to easily escape, trapping him inside as the grease was thrown.
The victim ran from the home after the assault and contacted police before being airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials confirmed he was transported via emergency helicopter to receive care for his serious burn injuries.
Dispute Over Guests and Alleged Drug Use Led to Attack
In interviews with police, Clark claimed the altercation stemmed from ongoing disputes about his roommate bringing over unwanted guests who allegedly used the shower and bathroom without permission.
He also accused the victim of turning the home into a “drug zone.” According to Law & Crime, Clark initially told officers that he had no intention of harming his roommate but later said the victim “stood up in a threatening manner and lunged” at him, leading him to use the pan of grease as a weapon for self-defense.
“Clark, several minutes later, then said that [the victim] stood up in a ‘threatening’ manner and ‘lunged’ at him,” authorities continued. However, investigators noted it was unclear what actions the victim took to appear threatening and that Clark’s story appeared inconsistent with the evidence collected at the scene.
Victim Suffers Severe Burns and Escapes to Safety
After the attack, the victim fled the residence and called for help. Authorities said he was found nearby suffering from severe burn injuries caused by the hot grease. He was transported by emergency helicopter to a regional hospital, where he received treatment for burns to his face, neck, and arm.
The Tallahassee Police Department responded to the scene and took William Clark into custody shortly after the incident. He was booked into the Leon County Jail on charges related to the attack.
