Venice man arrested for attack with an ax

SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla.- A Venice man was arrested after he attacked two people with an ax.

Deputies responded to a home on the 1000 block of North Cypress Point Drive just before noon Saturday.

Officials say the resident, 58-year-old Robert Giampino, had gone outside to confront a family friend who was sitting in a vehicle in the driveway.

According to authorities, Giampino hit the window and shattered the glass. When the male victim took off to escape the attack, Giampino grabbed his girlfriend’s daughter from behind and placed the ax blade against her neck. He let her go when she said she was going to call the police.

Officials say neither victim was seriously injured. The female received a cut to her finger while she protected her throat from the blade, and the man received cuts and scratches from falling glass.

Giampino was charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Bail was set at $200,000 and he has now been released after posting bond.