A man in western Florida allegedly threatened an on-duty landscaper with a dagger while wearing a jester costume when he reportedly became upset by the sound of the lawnmower.
On the afternoon of August 14, a landscaper was working on two properties in a residential neighborhood in St. Petersburg. One of the man’s tasks was to mow the lawn, and he used a “stand-on mower” for the task. According to reports, his workday took a turn for the worse when one of the neighbors took issue with the loud sound of the machine.
The allegedly angry man, later identified as a 51-year-old smoke and gift shop owner, came out of his house wearing a jester costume. He reportedly walked over to an automobile and removed what appeared to be a dagger. With the weapon in hand, the man reportedly set his sights on the gardener and began yelling at him, trying to make him turn off the mower. The alleged victim was able to use the machine as a barrier between himself and the man, and he was not physically harmed.
Officers from the St. Petersburg Police Department went to the scene to investigate. When they saw and identified the suspect, they surmised that his attire was attributed to the name of his business, The Psychedelic Jester. According to the police report, the officers did not believe the man had been drinking, but they were unsure if he had been using drugs.
The suspect, who was still in full costume, was taken into custody and booked into the Pinellas County Jail. He is facing a preliminary felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. According to facility records, he was released the following evening after posting a $15,000 bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of an assault or battery offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.