An off-duty Florida police officer was stabbed during an attempted robbery at a dry-cleaning business on Tuesday, with the suspect fleeing the scene in the officer's stolen patrol car.
In an incident that has left the community shaken, an off-duty Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy was stabbed twice during an attempted robbery at a dry-cleaning business in Greenacres, Florida, on Tuesday. The suspect, 73-year-old Glenn Gotell, has been apprehended and faces multiple charges, including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, armed robbery, armed burglary, and grand theft of a motor vehicle.
According to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital, Gotell entered the Cost Less Dry Cleaners around 4:30 p.m. and approached the clerk at the cash register, demanding that they "open the box." The unidentified off-duty deputy, who was coincidentally entering the business to pick up his laundry, witnessed the unfolding crime and intervened.
Off-Duty Cop Stabbed in Dry-Cleaning Robbery, Suspect Flees in Stolen Patrol Car
The suspect, armed with a knife, stabbed the deputy twice, once in the torso and again in the hand. Despite his injuries, the deputy fought back bravely, leading to a scuffle that ended with the suspect fleeing the scene in the deputy's patrol car. The injured officer was rushed to a local hospital and is currently in stable condition.
Unbeknownst to Gotell, his escape would prove short-lived. Within minutes of the attempted robbery, police located the stolen patrol car at a nearby intersection, abandoned by the suspect. Witnesses in the area, who identified Gotell as homeless, pointed authorities to two shopping carts near the entrance of a local library, one of which belonged to the suspect.
Off-Duty Cop Stabbed in Dry-Cleaning Robbery, Suspect Flees in Stolen Patrol Car
During a thorough search of the area, authorities recovered a pair of blue jeans, a belt, and Nike shoes that matched the clothing worn by Gotell during the robbery. These discarded items provided investigators with crucial evidence in linking him to the crime.
Armed with this information, law enforcement officers entered the library and located Gotell, taking him into custody without incident. Gotell's arrest has brought relief to the community, which had been on edge following the brazen attack. However, the investigation into the stabbing remains ongoing, with police actively seeking additional information and evidence.
Off-Duty Cop Stabbed in Dry-Cleaning Robbery, Suspect Flees in Stolen Patrol Car
Gotell, who faces a litany of charges, is currently being held in the Palm Beach County Jail. His arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday, and a trial date has not yet been set. The outcome of the case will be closely watched by the community, which is eager for justice to be served for the courageous officer who put his life on the line to protect others.
