Man Randomly Attacks 70-Year-Old at a Florida Publix, Blames His Dislike of the 1960s

A Florida man is accused of stabbing a 70-year-old man in the face at a local grocery store because he allegedly disliked the era he believed the victim was born in.

According to a probable cause affidavit viewed by Globe, Ramsey Thomas Lyons was taken into custody on Saturday, October 10 and charged with aggravated battery on a person 65 years or older, as well as two counts of battery by intentional touch or strike.

The report states that the alleged victim was shopping at his local Publix when he suddenly felt the sensation that someone had punched him in the face. He turned around and saw Lyons, 47, standing with his arms down and a box cutter in one hand.

When the alleged victim touched his face, he realized he was bleeding and that he’d been stabbed. Lyons allegedly attempted to stab the 70-year-old again before the alleged victim managed to run out of the aisle and to the customer service desk for help.

Upon arrival, police briefly spoke with the alleged victim before spotting Lyons near the entrance, standing with his hands on his head, seemingly surrendering. When he was taken into custody, Lyons allegedly told officers that he had been thinking about killing someone for days and had entered the Publix with the intention of murdering someone.

He allegedly told police he did not know the victim and had chosen him at random, believing he was born in the 1960s, and he didn’t like that era. He told first responders he decided to “ace him out,” which he later explained meant to murder the man. Lyons also claimed he had an undiagnosed mental illness.

The alleged victim suffered a “4-6 inch” laceration that started near his cheek, extended over his jaw and continued down toward his neck. He also had a minor laceration to his neck that police suspected came from the second swing Lyons allegedly made. He received stitches and is expected to recover from the incident.

Lyons is due in court in November.