A 23-year-old illegal immigrant from Mexico, Vidal Jimenez, has been charged with multiple felonies following an alleged armed attack on a Florida teenager in Polk County, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported. Jimenez, who had previously been deported, is accused of chasing the 18-year-old victim through a local park while armed with a knife.
Incident Details
The incident began when Jimenez and another suspect allegedly approached the victim and asked if he was selling marijuana. After the victim denied involvement, Jimenez allegedly became aggressive and struck the teen. The victim attempted to flee but was pursued by Jimenez, who was armed with a knife, and the second suspect, who carried a bottle. The victim eventually found his brother and called police.
'This suspect assaulted a young man, armed himself, and then tried to outrun deputies,' Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. 'He’s also in this country illegally. That didn’t work out for him, and it won’t work out for anyone else who tries it.'
Jimenez was apprehended after a brief chase, during which he attempted to evade deputies and was subdued with a Taser. He now faces charges of aggravated assault, simple battery, and resisting law enforcement. Each charge has been enhanced due to his illegal immigration status. Authorities are still searching for the second suspect involved in the incident.