The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Florida man was accused of attacking a woman who was walking her dog near a downtown area, leaving her with serious facial injuries that reportedly required extensive medical treatment.
According to the authorities, a witness heard the woman screaming and rushed toward the scene. The bystander reportedly intervened and managed to pull the attacker away from the victim, giving both of them a chance to escape and contact emergency responders.
The woman was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The authorities said she suffered a broken orbital socket, deep cuts to her nose that required stitches, and permanent facial disfigurement. A witness later told local media the victim’s face was covered in blood when help arrived.
Investigators said officers responding to the area were quickly directed toward the suspect by several witnesses nearby. When the authorities confronted the man, he allegedly refused repeated commands to surrender and drop a weapon that investigators described as a homemade shank created from a tire pressure gauge and a concrete nail tied to his hand with a shoelace.
The situation reportedly turned into a standoff that lasted about three hours while crisis negotiators attempted to calm the suspect. During that time, the man allegedly carved phrases including “REPENT ALL” into the wall of a private building and threatened officers at the scene.
According to court documents, the confrontation ended after the suspect allegedly moved toward officers while still holding the weapon. The authorities deployed Tasers before officers used a tactical shield to force him to the ground and take him into custody.
Investigators said the suspect initially refused to identify himself and was later identified through fingerprint records. After being transported to a hospital, he reportedly told an officer that he attacked the woman because “the devil” instructed him to do so.
The 49-year-old was later charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery causing severe bodily harm. He was being held without bond at a Miami-Dade County correctional facility.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.