Woke Up to Violence: Victim Beaten with Golf Club in Lake Wales

iSkyNews and Media April 16, 2026

54-year-old Reuben “Buddy” Free, III / Credit: Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO)

By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent

iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published April 16th, 2026t

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🚨 NEWS BRIEF – LAKE WALES ASSAULT 🚨

📍 Location: Myrtle Avenue and State Road 60, Lake Wales
📅 Date: April 15, 2026
👤 Suspect: Reuben “Buddy” Free, III, 54, of Lake Wales
⚠️ Incident: Victim attacked while asleep with a golf club
🏥 Injuries: Serious, possible broken bones
🚔 Charge: Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon (F2)

LAKE WALES, Fla. — A Lake Wales man is behind bars after deputies say he carried out a violent attack on an acquaintance using a golf club, leaving the victim seriously injured.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), deputies responded Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to the area of Myrtle Avenue and State Road 60 following reports of an assault.

Investigators identified the suspect as 54-year-old Reuben “Buddy” Free, III, who is accused of attacking the victim inside a residence. Authorities say the victim was asleep when he was suddenly awakened by being struck multiple times — approximately five blows — with a golf club.

Detectives say the incident may have been fueled by a personal dispute. Prior to the attack, Free allegedly accused the victim of being involved with his ex-girlfriend.

Witnesses at the scene quickly intervened, taking the golf club away from Free and preventing further harm before deputies arrived.

When deputies later located Free, officials say he refused to speak with investigators regarding the incident.

The victim suffered serious injuries, possibly including broken bones, and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Free was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, a second-degree felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

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