An Alva man is in jail after deputies say he set his wife on fire during an argument. Kizer James Pontoon (DOB 1-30-72) of 23051 Roundtree Avenue, Alva, is being held without bond on charges of Arson with Serious Injury, Kidnapping, Aggravated Battery and Aggravated Assault.
At approximately 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Tampa Police Department in reference to a burn victim that told them her husband had doused her with gasoline and lit her on fire earlier that day at their home in Alva.
Due to the nature of the incident, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit assumed the investigation. Detectives received information from Lee County Sheriff’s Office dispatch that Lee County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) had responded to 23051 Roundtree Avenue, Alva. At that time, the woman claimed she had been burned due to falling in a bonfire. It was later learned that she was threatened by the suspect if she told the truth. Due to the severity of the burns, she was immediately flown to Tampa General Hospital burn unit.
Lee County detectives spoke with Tampa police and requested an officer obtain a sworn statement from the victim, who was being treated for burns to 17 percent of her body.
The victim says she was at a party with her husband, Kizer Pontoon. She says Pontoon became angry because she was dancing with another man. During the walk home from the party, the victim says Pontoon dragged her by the hair, punched her in the back of the head and grabbed her by the throat. Once they arrived home, the victim says an enraged Pontoon held two knives against her throat, threatening to kill her. She says Pontoon then retrieved a red plastic gas can and poured gasoline over her head and shoulder. He then flicked his lighter and lit her shirt on fire. The victim extinguished the flames by rolling and wrapping up in the blankets and comforter.
Detectives located Kizer and arrested him.
Pontoon is a registered felon in Lee County based on numerous arrests dating back several decades in Sarasota County. Pontoon has also served two stints in prison following convictions for Aggravated Assault with a Weapon and Cocaine Possession.
See the arrest details, CLICK HERE.
