FELLSMERE — A 36-year-old man was arrested Tuesday after he slashed a woman several times with a machete inside a South Cypress Street home, then fled on a bicycle, Fellsmere police said.
Christian Aaron Garcia Espinoza was booked Tuesday evening into the Indian River County Jail on:
- Felony Commit Act Could Cause Death
- Robbery by Sudden Snatching w Firearm or Weapon
- Battery by Strangulation
- Hinder with Commun Info ro LEO/Judge Misd Proc
- 2 Counts of 2nd Degree Petit Theft
The attack happened about 8:05 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026, inside a residence in the 100 block of South Cypress Street, south of County Road 512, Fellsmere Police Chief Scott Newsom said. The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called to assist Fellsmere officers near 147 S. Cypress St.
“She was cut on multiple locations on her body,” Newsom said.
The woman was taken to Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital with injuries that were serious but not life-threatening, Newsom said. Police did not release her name.
Garcia Espinoza left with the machete and rode away on a bicycle, police said. Authorities described him as armed and dangerous while they searched Monday night and through Tuesday. Sheriff’s deputies and helicopters helped Fellsmere officers look for him.
Officers found Garcia Espinoza on Tuesday in the 50 block of North Broadway Street, about a half-mile from the home. It was not immediately clear whether the machete was recovered.
Fellsmere police had asked the public not to approach Garcia Espinoza and to call 911 if he was seen. Anyone with information may call the Fellsmere Police Department at 772-571-1360.
He is now being held without bond.