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MULBERRY, Fla. (WFLA) — Authorities are on the lookout for a second suspect following an assault on an 18-year-old in Mulberry.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported that the altercation took place on Tuesday at Bailey Place.
The young man informed deputies he was in a nearby park when two individuals approached him, inquiring if he was involved in selling marijuana.
Upon denying any involvement, one of the individuals, identified as 23-year-old Vidal Jimenez, allegedly attacked him. The victim tried to escape, but Jimenez reportedly pursued him.
The victim then contacted his brother and asked him to call law enforcement. The brother arrived at the park but initially could not find him because the victim was hiding from the suspects.
When the suspects found him again, deputies said Jimenez was armed with a knife, and the second suspect was armed with a bottle.
Both suspects again chased the victim, who ran toward his brother, the sheriff’s office said.
Deputies later saw a man who matched the suspect’s description leaving the Willow Oak Mobile Home Park. When they attempted to detain him, deputies said the suspect ran.
After reportedly ignoring multiple commands to stop, a deputy deployed his taser, and the suspect was taken into custody.
Jimenez was charged with two counts of aggravated assault without intent to kill, simple battery, and resisting without violence.
Deputies said Jimenez is in the U.S illegally from Mexico. Due to his illegal status, each charge was enhanced by one degree.
The sheriff’s office is now working to find the second suspect. A description of this suspect was not released.