Massachusetts' Most Wanted: Dog Stabbing Suspect

TAUNTON, MA — A man accused of attacking a woman and a dog with a machete in Taunton last week is on the run from authorities. Thomas Vargus, 45, was charged with a host of crimes after police said he stabbed the female victim's dog with the machete and also struck her with the weapon, police said. The dog and woman survived the attack.

On Wednesday, State Police added Vargus to its "most wanted" list. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 1-800-KAPTURE (1-800-527-8873). (Sign up for free daily newsletters and breaking news alerts from Massachusetts Patch sites.)

Vargus, considered armed and dangerous, has tattoos on his face and most of his body. He has a violent criminal history that includes convictions for assault with a beer bottle, beer can and mace. He has ties to Taunton, Cambridge and Somerville, police said.

On Monday, September 18, on Church Street in Taunton, Vargus approached a woman and her dog, pulled out a machete and began stabbing the dog, police said. The woman was also hit in the attack, police said.

"Bystanders intervened and were able to lock the dog in a vehicle to prevent further injury," police said in a statement. "The dog, whose name is 'King,' survived. VARGUS fled the scene and remains at large."

Vargus was one of six new suspects added to the State Police "most wanted" list, police said Wednesday.

"Please help us locate these dangerous fugitives to hold them accountable for their crimes and to bring justice to their victims," police said in a statement.

Related:

Taunton Dog Stabbed By Man With Machete: Police

Massachusetts State Police Add Six to List of Most Wanted Fugitives

Lead photo: Thomas Vargus. (Credit: Taunton Police Department)