HAINES CITY, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff's Department said a man wanted on multiple charges related to battering his former girlfriend and beating a good Samaritan unconscious has been arrested in Lake County.
Jose Chaidez, 35, was wanted after the PCSO said on Sept. 23, Chaidez threatened the woman, 64, with a butcher knife at J and S Food Mart on East Hinson Avenue in Haines City. He then slapped her with the knife, struck her, and pulled her hair.
A 43-year-old man saw Chaidez attacking the woman and attempted to stop him, but Chaidez allegedly struck the man in the head repeatedly while he was unconscious on the ground. Officials said Chaidez then "engaged with another man" and hit him before leaving the store.
Deputies and EMS did not arrive until after Chaidez was already gone. The second man, who wasn't seriously injured, left the store before being identified or interviewed.
The first man was taken to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition but is expected to recover.
ABC Action News spoke to the ex-girlfriend over the phone Tuesday morning. She said she was extremely grateful for the good Samaritan and said that he "literally saved her life." She said her injuries were minor, and that's "because the man helped her."
Chaidez is wanted for attempted second-degree murder, armed burglary with battery, burglary with battery, criminal mischief and stalking (DV).
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