A 52-year-old Ocala man was arrested for aggravated battery after he allegedly attacked another man with a knife at a local homeless camp.
On Monday, November 4, Marion County Sheriff’s Office units responded to the 6600 block of S Pine Avenue in reference to a physical altercation that had occurred in the area. The male victim told law enforcement that a man, identified as Joseph Lloyd Elkins, had attacked him with a knife, according to the arrest report.
The victim claimed that he was in his tent when Elkins “began screaming about having run out of alcohol.” Elkins then allegedly threatened to “cut the tires on (the victim’s) bicycle,” which prompted the victim to exit the tent.
According to the victim’s statement, Elkins “charged him” while wielding a large “Rambo” knife. A fight ensued, and the victim advised that he struck Elkins multiple times with a wooden bat while defending himself.
An MCSO deputy noted in the report that the victim had “multiple superficial injuries” to his head, along with a “large (and) significant laceration to the left bicep area” that appeared to have been caused by a knife.
The report stated that a large stainless-steel knife was found sticking out of the ground in the middle of the homeless camp, and it was covered in blood.
The deputy made contact with Elkins. After being read his Miranda rights, Elkins stated that there was “no fight at all.” He further claimed that the injuries to his head were sustained when he “(fell) on a concrete culvert.”
The deputy observed a “large injury” on Elkins’ head, and he “appeared to be unsteady” on his feet. In addition, he was “slurring his words heavily,” according to the report.
Elkins was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond. He is being charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
A court date has not been scheduled yet, according to jail records.
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Source: ocala-news
