A violent altercation sparked by a dispute over tool usage escalated into a machete attack last Friday in Winter Haven. According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Moises Alberto Rodriguez, 34, has been arrested and faces multiple charges, including attempted second-degree murder.
Deputies responded to a call around 5:41 p.m. last Friday at a home on Flamingo Boulevard, where a 38-year-old man suffered a severe arm laceration after Rodriguez allegedly attacked him with a machete during an argument. The victim was retrieving tools from a shed when the incident occurred and was taken to a local hospital by witnesses.
In an official statement, the Polk County Sheriff's Office detailed that Rodriguez attempted to evade arrest but complied with deputies after a short foot pursuit. In the course of his arrest, authorities discovered he was carrying methamphetamine and a glass pipe.
Rodriguez, who has an extensive criminal history including a prior attempted second-degree murder charge, was taken into custody without incident but refused to reveal the machete’s location. The sheriff’s office said the victim, suspect, and witnesses are all related, underscoring the domestic nature of the case.
Rodriguez was booked into the Sheriff’s Processing Center on charges of attempted second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, possession of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Authorities also noted his prior convictions and previous time in Florida State Prison.
