Florida Man Charged After Allegedly Attacking Sister With Machete While She Slept

A 36-year-old man has been arrested and charged with attempted felony murder after allegedly attacking his sister with a machete while she was sleeping next to her one-year-old daughter. The incident occurred on August 3 in Margate, Florida.

According to local news reports, Ruben Altidore is accused of repeatedly slashing his sister with the weapon as she slept beside her young child. During the attack, he allegedly expressed disbelief at her survival by saying, "Oh my God, why aren’t you dead yet?" The victim managed to escape from her attacker and fled to a neighbor's home for help.

Home surveillance footage reportedly captured Altidore chasing his sister with the machete as she ran through the streets. She eventually collapsed after ringing the doorbell of Luis Pereria’s house. Pereria told WPLG that he was shocked by what he witnessed, stating, "How can you do that?"

The victim sustained severe injuries during the attack and was rushed to a local hospital for treatment. Medical professionals found that she had suffered a 10-inch laceration on her thigh which exposed bone, a hand injury potentially leading to multiple finger amputations, and a deep cut on her palm nearly severing her left thumb. The toddler was not physically harmed but was covered in blood from the incident.

Altidore was apprehended shortly after the attack and is currently being held without bond at the Palm Beach County Jail. He faces charges including attempted felony murder, aggravated child abuse for endangering his niece during the assault, and violation of probation.

Police have yet to disclose a motive behind this violent act. The case has drawn significant attention due to its brutality and the apparent lack of provocation leading up to the attack.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence and mental health issues within families across Florida. Community advocates are calling for increased support services and stricter enforcement of existing laws aimed at preventing such tragedies from occurring in the future.