A 39-year-old Florida man, identified as Joshua Anthony Scott, was arrested on April 6th and charged with attempted murder and burglary after allegedly breaking into a home in Port Orange and stabbing a woman while she was sleeping.
According to the Port Orange Police Department, the incident occurred early on Wednesday morning when a neighbor called 911 after hearing strange noises coming from the house. Officers responded to the scene and found the woman, identified as 26-year-old Rebecca Taylor, suffering from severe injuries and bleeding.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Scott, who lived next door to Taylor, gained entry into her residence through an open window and crept up to her bedside. At some point, he allegedly stabbed her in the torso and leg.
Taylor, who underwent surgery for her injuries, has been transferred to a trauma center and is currently fighting for her life. She has also been put under protection and care of law enforcement officials to ensure her safety.
Authorities believe Scott and Taylor may have had some kind of prior connection or history of conflict, citing inconsistencies in his story. Officials also report that a backpack found on Scott contained numerous tools commonly used in breaking and entering, which points to him being the sole perpetrator.
Scott, currently being held at the Volusia County Jail on $450,000 bail, was charged with one count each of attempted murder, burglary with battery, and probation violation. Law enforcement agencies are actively conducting an ongoing investigation and examining all leads to establish any possible connection between the attack and other similar crimes.