Police Seek Man Accused of Violent Attack in Haines City

Police are seeking the help of the public in locating 35-year-old Jose Chaidez of Haines City, who is accused of battering his 64-year-old former girlfriend and then severely beating another man who tried to intervene in his attack on the woman.

Chaidez is facing charges that include attempted second degree murder, armed burglary with battery, burglary with battery, criminal mischief, and stalking for the purpose of domestic violence. The attacks occurred at J&S Food Mart located at 3084 East Hinson Avenue in Haines City, beginning shortly after 4:00 p.m on Saturday.

According to a statement released by the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Jose Manuel Chaidez's criminal history includes "aggravated assault with a weapon, battery domestic violence, kidnapping/false imprisonment, resisting an officer without violence, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, hit and run, battery, and battery DV."

Chaidez was captured on video as he allegedly threatened the woman at the store with a butcher knife, slapped her with the knife, struck her, and pulled her by the hair while attempting to take her out of the store..

The police reports says that an 43-year-old Haines City man "saw the violence occurring and stepped forward in an attempt to stop the man from beating the woman." Chaidez overpowered the man and then repeatedly struck him in the head while he lay unconscious on the floor. His name was not released by law enforcement.

Chaidez then attacked a second man who attempted to intervene in the beating, striking him. Witnesses reported the attack by dialing 911, but Chaidez left the scene before law enforcement and EMS arrived. The second man was apparently not seriously injured, but he left before deputies could identify or interview him. Investigators are now asking for this man to come forward so they can obtain enough evidence to hole Chaidez accountable for that battery as well.

"We need to locate this very violent man and put him in jail where he belongs," said Polk Sheriff Grady Judd. "Anyone who would beat up a 64 year old woman, and then ruthlessly beat up a man who tried to help a woman in distress, is a menace and needs to be locked up."

The man who was severely beaten by Chaidez remains hospitalized in critical condition. He is eventually expected to recover.

An extensive search was completed in an effort to locate the suspect; however, deputies were unable to locate Chaidez. Investigators are asking the public to help locate and arrest Chaidez.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 863-298-6200. Persons wishing to remain anonymous, and be eligible for a cash reward, can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:

• CALL 1-800-226 TIPS (8477);

• DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone;

• VISIT HeartlandCrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip;"

• DOWNLOAD the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet.