Florida man doesn’t like people from 1960s so he lands a blow to elderly Publix shopper with a box cutter: ‘Stuck it in his neck’
A routine grocery trip should not end with someone needing stitches. However, one elderly Publix shopper in Florida was allegedly attacked by a stranger without any warning. What made the incident even more disturbing was the suspect’s reported explanation for choosing him.
Shoppers have raised concerns about strangers following them inside stores. However, this man reportedly had no opportunity to recognize the danger before he was injured. Police say there was no argument or confrontation leading up to the attack.
According to Law&Crime, 47-year-old Ramsey Thomas Lyons allegedly attacked a 70-year-old shopper at a Publix in Punta Gorda, Florida, using a box cutter. Investigators say the two men did not know each other, and the suspect’s alleged motive had nothing to do with anything the victim had done.
His explanation raised even more questions
The incident happened at the Publix located at 2310 Tamiami Trail. According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, the elderly man was shopping in an aisle when he suddenly felt what seemed like a punch to the left side of his face.
When he turned around, he reportedly saw Lyons staring at him while holding a box cutter. The victim noticed blood on his hands and realized he had been stabbed. He immediately ran to get help.
Responding officers found Lyons standing near the supermarket entrance with his hands on his head. Police took him into custody and recovered a box cutter.
Investigators later interviewed Lyons after advising him of his Miranda rights. During questioning, he allegedly told officers that he had an “undiagnosed mental illness” and disliked the 1960s era.
Police say Lyons admitted entering the supermarket intending to murder someone. He reportedly selected the elderly shopper because the man “looked like he was from the 1960’s.”
The suspect allegedly explained that he had been thinking about attacking someone for two days before the incident. He also acknowledged that he did not know the victim and had chosen him randomly.
“I just pulled it out of my pocket and stuck it in his neck,” Lyons allegedly told investigators.
Lyons also allegedly explained why he dropped the box cutter after the attack. According to the affidavit, he wanted to ensure that responding officers “wouldn’t be scared” and shoot him or use a Taser.
The attack left the elderly shopper with a serious wound to his neck. Police said the cut extended from his left cheek, along his jawline, and down to his neck, requiring numerous stitches.
Investigators say Lyons had no connection to the victim and had selected him at random. He now faces a charge of aggravated battery on a person aged 65 or older, despite allegedly admitting that he entered the store intending to kill someone.
Lyons is being held at the Charlotte County Jail without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 16.
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