Man Who 'Ruthlessly' Beat Good Samaritan, Ex-GF Sought By Police

POLK COUNTY, FL — Polk County authorities are searching for a man they say assaulted his ex-girlfriend at a Haines City convenience store before severely beating a man who tried to intervene.

Jose Chaidez, 35, of Haines City, is wanted on charges of attempted second-degree murder, armed burglary and battery, and stalking, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said in a release. Authorities said Chaidez attacked three people at J&S Food Mart in Haines City shortly before 4:30 Saturday.

According to authorities, Chaidez threatened his 64-year-old ex-girlfriend with a butcher knife, slapping her with it before hitting her and pulling her hair. Authorities said a 43-year-old Haines City man tried to intervene, but Chaidez overpowered him and repeatedly hit him in the head as he lay unconscious on the floor.

Chaidez then approached another man and hit him before leaving the store, authorities said.

The Good Samaritan was taken to hospital where he remains in critical condition, authorities said. His condition is improving and authorities said he is expected to recover.

The woman and the second man were not seriously injured, authorities said.

"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," Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement.

Despite an extensive search, deputies were unable to locate Chaidez. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 800-226-TIPS.