Deputies: Golden Gate man attacked another during rent dispute

A Golden Gate man was arrested early Sunday after he attacked another man with a machete, deputies said.

Marden Torres Gonzalez, 22, remains in a Collier County jail on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

The arrest report states Torres Gonzalez got into an argument with the victim at a home in the 4300 block of 19th Place SW over a prior rent dispute. The victim said when he explained to Torres Gonzalez that the laws in the U.S. are different from the ones in Honduras, Torres Gonzalez told him the laws are the same and nothing would happen if he cuts him. He then grabbed a machete that was nearby and attacked the victim, who sustained a cut to his ankle. Torres Gonzalez apologized and said he would pay for the injury he caused.

While deputies were speaking with the victim, Torres Gonzalez called him and spoke to a deputy on the phone, but the call was dropped.

The victim was taken to Physicians Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Deputies found the machete and a trail of blood at the home. The report states while deputies were investigating at the scene, dispatch notified them of a 911 call that the suspect later said was made by him in an attempt to speak with deputies. A deputy made contact with Torres Gonzalez and detained him. Torres Gonzalez had blood on his hands and jeans, according to the report.

Torres Gonzalez told deputies he was arguing with his cousin at the home when the victim intervened and involved himself in the argument. He said he didn’t wish to engage the victim and asked him to leave him alone multiple times, but the victim continued insulting and arguing with him. He said the victim kicked him twice, removed his jacket and assumed a fighting stance.

Portions of the report are redacted, but it states that after investigators spoke with Torres Gonzalez, he was arrested.