A machete-slashed victim was taken to the hospital Friday, leading to the arrest of his attacker this week.
An officer responded May 18 to UF Health Leesburg Hospital regarding a victim who had been slashed with a machete, according to an arrest report from the Leesburg Police Department. The victim was taken to the hospital in a private vehicle driven by a friend after the incident, later found to involve 46-year-old Garold Wayne Luken of Leesburg.
Upon arrival, the officer met with the victim who reported that he had been in the 2500 block of South Street talking with a friend. He was then approached by Luken. He was visibly agitated and started yelling accusations at the victim about stealing his bicycle. The bicycle in question had been in his possession for about four years, the report said.
According to the victim, Luken brandished a machete in his right hand and swung it downward, hitting his right leg. To prevent further injury, the victim grabbed the machete and managed to wrestle it away from Luken before throwing it into a nearby wooded area, the report said.
The victim sustained a laceration about 1.5 inches on his right leg. He then gave a description of Luken’s clothing and his full name. This allowed the officer to confirm his identity through a driver’s license database search, the report said.
A total of four photos were taken to document the victim’s injuries. Medical staff advised that he was given 10 staples to close and treat the wound, the report said.
The victim’s friend was interviewed, and his account corroborated the victim’s version of events. He advised that he was conversing with the victim and saw the incident, the report said.
Based on the consistent and corroborating statements of the victim and witness, combined with the physical evidence, the officer found probable cause for Luken’s arrest. He was not found on the day of the incident, but an officer did spot him Thursday at 1610 Crest Ave., the report said.
Luken was arrested on charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. The native of Oklahoma was transported to Lake County Jail with bond set at $10,000.