FLORIDA — Deputies are searching for a second suspect following an assault involving an 18-year-old in Mulberry, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the incident occurred Tuesday at Bailey Place. The victim told deputies he was at a local park when two individuals approached him and asked if he was selling marijuana.
When the victim said he was not, deputies said the suspects became aggressive. One of the suspects, identified as 23-year-old Vidal Jimenez, allegedly began striking the victim. The victim attempted to flee, but Jimenez chased him.
The victim contacted his brother for help, asking him to call law enforcement. When his brother arrived, he was initially unable to locate him because the victim was hiding from the suspects.
Deputies said the suspects later found the victim again. Jimenez was reportedly armed with a knife, while the second suspect was armed with a bottle. Both suspects chased the victim before he ran toward his brother.
Authorities later located a man matching the suspect’s description leaving the Willow Oak Mobile Home Park. When deputies attempted to detain him, he fled on foot. After ignoring commands to stop, a deputy deployed a Taser, and the suspect was taken into custody.
Jimenez has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault without intent to kill, simple battery and resisting without violence. Deputies said he is in the United States illegally from Mexico, and each charge was enhanced by one degree due to his immigration status.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to search for the second suspect. No description has been released.
The investigation remains ongoing.
