Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Man with machete tattoo accused of machete attack

Victim is unable to ‘use or move his left hand due to the severity of the injury he sustained,’ say authorities

James Crump
Friday 19 June 2020 19:54 EDT
Comments
Justin Arthur Allen Couch in police custody
Justin Arthur Allen Couch in police custody ((Hernando County Sheriff's Office))

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A Florida man with a machete face tattoo has been arrested for allegedly attacking someone with a machete.

Justin Arthur Allen Couch, 25, has been charged with aggravated battery after he attacked a man over the weekend, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.

The victim arrived at a residence he was temporarily staying at, in Central Florida’s Gulf Coast, at around 10pm on Saturday, and discovered a group of people he didn’t know having “a gathering.”

Mr Couch, who was a part of the group in the house, started arguing with the victim and told him to leave.

They went outside, as the victim did not want to argue in front of the group, and Mr Couch brought a machete out with him.

After the argument continued, the victim agreed to leave, but told Mr Couch that he needed to go back inside to collect his wallet and phone.

Mr Couch reportedly refused to let him back in, and told the victim: “There’s nothing here for you, leave,” according to Fox 13.

When the victim reiterated that he needed to get inside, Mr Couch allegedly hit him on the arm and leg with the flat side of the machete.

He then swung the machete at the victim’s face, who put his arm in the way, and was struck by the blade of the weapon.

He then passed out, and was taken to a local healthcare facility, Bayfront Health Spring Hill, after Mr Couch drove him to a friend’s house, who then transported him to the hospital.

The authorities confirmed that the victim is unable to “use or move his left hand due to the severity of the injury he sustained.”

Mr Couch, who was arrested on Monday, remains in custody and has his bond set at $10,000 (£8,097).

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in