The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a suspect for stabbing an 81-year-old man and putting a 7-year-old in a chokehold.
On September 29, 2024, at approximately 4 p.m., deputies responded to a call reporting a naked man had jumped a fence of the backyard of a residence located at Spence Avenue, Tampa, and placed a 7-year-old girl under a chokehold who was on a trampoline.
The child's mother and other neighbors were able to rescue the girl, and the suspect fled on foot to another residence.
When deputies arrived, they found the suspect hiding under a covered porch in the backyard of a residence near Kimball Avenue and Harold Avenue and arrested him.
"I can't imagine the terror this mother must have felt as she watched a violent man lay hands on her child," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "The bravery shown by her and the neighbors who intervened to rescue this girl is heroic."
Through investigative means, deputies learned that after running away from the first residence, the suspect entered another residence and stabbed an 81-year-old male. The victim was transported to the hospital and is being treated for his injuries.
"This individual's evil actions targeted both a child and an elderly person, showing disregard for human life," said Sheriff Chronister. “Thanks to our deputies' swift response, this man will face the consequences of his actions and answer for the harm and trauma he has caused these families."
Yoan Gonzalez Vazquez, 27, is facing several charges, including two charges of Burglary with Battery and one charge of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon. Additional charges may be forthcoming.
The suspect was transported to Tampa General Hospital for evaluation and is now booked at Orient Road Jail.
This is an active investigation; any update will come from the Public Affairs Office.