Miami police say a family visit in Little Havana turned violent Thursday afternoon when a 98-year-old man allegedly stabbed a relative who had come to help his mother-in-law inside a neighborhood home.
According to Local 10, officers were called just after 2 p.m. to a residence near the 240 block of Southwest 18th Court. When they arrived, they found a woman with a wound to her left forearm. Police gave first aid at the scene before Miami Fire Rescue took her to HCA Florida Mercy Hospital.
The arrest report states the victim told officers she had come to the home to help her mother-in-law when the suspect, identified as Perez, allegedly "poked" her in the back, then swung a knife that cut her forearm. Perez told detectives the argument escalated after the woman allegedly grabbed him, according to the same report.
Neighbor Steps In As Knives Land in the Bushes
Investigators later recovered three kitchen knives from bushes outside the home. A neighbor, who recognized the suspect and called out his name, helped the victim hold onto the weapon until officers arrived, authorities said, as reported by Local 10.
Jail records show Perez faces one count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He was booked into the Miami-Dade County correctional system and is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Bond Court Orders GPS Monitor, ‘Total Lockdown’
Court records indicate Miami-Dade bond court has set strict conditions on Perez’s release. Friday’s court action lists requirements that include a GPS monitor and what is described as a "total lockdown" as part of his pretrial custody conditions.
Prosecutors have charged Perez with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and investigators say the case is still under review. No future court date was listed in publicly available records.
Reporting Concerns About Older Adults
Cases like this, involving very elderly adults, often highlight complicated questions about caregiving, safety and vulnerability in the home. Florida maintains dedicated resources for reporting suspected elder abuse, neglect or exploitation through its Elder Protection Programs.
The state notes the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE and an online portal for filing reports. Officials encourage anyone with information about possible abuse, or concerns about an older adult’s safety, to contact law enforcement or Adult Protective Services.
