BRADENTON, FL – A 35-year-old man has been sentenced to 2 ½ years in prison for attacking a friend with a hatchet after the friend accidentally broke his phone. Jaquan Sykes received credit for 626 days served, resulting in roughly nine months left to serve.
The incident occurred on January 30, 2022, when Sykes picked up friends before 1 a.m. They visited a liquor store where Sykes allegedly assaulted one of the men outside. According to a report, Sykes “attacked” his friend with a hatchet during the discussion.
The victim sustained serious injuries during the attack, suffering multiple lacerations and fractured bones. A report noted that the victim would need surgery for his injuries.
Witnesses stated that as Sykes drove away, he yelled, “That was for breaking my phone.” The victim had replaced the phone he broke previously, which he claimed was the reason for the attack.
Both the victim and a woman present identified Sykes as the attacker. The hatchet used in the assault has not been recovered.
Sykes reportedly threatened the victim and witnesses after the incident. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the victim was transported to a hospital and was expected to recover.