FLORIDA — A Largo man has been arrested after police say he attempted to kill his elderly neighbor during a violent attack Wednesday.
According to the Largo Police Department, 55-year-old Brian Gene Rye is accused of attacking an 84-year-old man at his home. Investigators said the two men did not know each other.
An arrest report states that Rye told officers his “Father,” referring to God, instructed him to “kill a pedophile.” Police said Rye then went to the victim’s residence carrying a metal hammer and a mixture containing cayenne pepper.
Authorities allege Rye threw the mixture into the victim’s face in an attempt to blind him before striking the man multiple times with the hammer. The attack caused significant injuries, including visible bleeding to the victim’s eyes, arms and head. The 84-year-old was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Police said Rye admitted to hitting the victim with the hammer and attempting to kill him. Investigators also allege he used the hammer to break a window on the victim’s trailer. Officers reported that Rye resisted arrest while being taken into custody.
Rye has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon causing great bodily harm, burglary with battery, criminal mischief and resisting an officer without violence. He was booked into the Pinellas County Jail, where he is being held without bond.
