A 72-year-old man is speaking out after he was beaten and slashed during a bus stop confrontation in Miami Beach that led to the assailant’s arrest.
Luciano Lastra remains in the intensive care unit at Jackson Memorial Hospital following Monday morning’s brutal attack. He spoke with 7News in Spanish over the phone.
The victim described the disturbing moments when the suspect came after him.
“He got off the bus and beat me down. He was near my feet, and I was holding on to his body,” said Lastra. “He kicked me twice near my ribs and threw me on the ground.”
The alleged attacker, 26-year-old Gianni D’Angelo McIntosh Jones, stood before Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy S. Glazer on Wednesday.
“Aggravated battery on an elderly person,” said Glazer as she read his charges.
In bond court, Miami Beach Police Officer Rodolfo Albaladejo described the victim’s injuries.
“Hematomas to his face, cuts to the lower left leg, several abrasions to his knees, his arms, hematomas to the top of his head as well,” said Albaladejo. “Left eye was completely shut by the time he got to the hospital.”
Detectives said the victim and the suspect were riding the bus on Monday.
“According to multiple witnesses, the defendant entered the bus and immediately began antagonizing the victim,” said Miami Beach Police Officer Christopher Bess.
The arrest report states a witness told police she could hear the defendant antagonizing the victim throughout the entire ride.”
“I said to myself, ‘Damn, this man is looking for problems,’” said Lastra, “I asked him what happened. He just said ‘[expletive] you’ and spit on the floor.”
Lastra hoped he could solve his problem by getting off the bus at the stop on Sixth Street and Alton Road, but Jones was right behind him, and situation escalated.
The police report states a person on the bus “saw the victim almost underneath the bus as the defendant was kicking the victim.”
“He kicked and and punched the victim multiple times,” said Bess.
Lastra said he pulled out a knife to fight back, but the weapon ended up being used against him.
“My knife I had fell off. I was on the ground. I was trying to defend myself, but he kicked me on the ground,” he said.
The police report states Jones “stated that at this point, he slashed the victim’s left lower leg with the knife,” “kicked the victim in the face with his right leg,” “knocked him unconscious, and that was the end of the altercation. The defendant stated that he then tossed the knife and walked away from the area southbound on Alton Road.”
Rescue crews rushed Lastra to the hospital.
Miami Beach Police caught up with Jones just around the corner.
“Luckily, our officers were able to swiftly arrive, staurate the area and later apprehend the defendant,” said Bess.
He has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon on an elderly victim.
“That’s a first-degree felony; the state filed a motion for pretrial detention. I’m going to grant that motion, hold you with no bond,” said Glazer.
Jones is listed as homeless. His arraignment has been set for Oct. 15.
Personalized Attention for Your Personal Injury Case
At Ovadia Law Group, we understand that every personal injury case is unique. That’s why we take a personalized approach, offering tailored legal strategies that meet your specific needs. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, workplace incident, or slip-and-fall, our attorneys take the time to understand your situation and fight for the best possible outcome. We handle everything from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, so you can focus on healing. With Ovadia Law Group, you’re more than just a case number—you’re our priority. Call 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation and discover how we can support your personal injury claim.
Source: wsvn
