Inset: Ramsey Thomas Lyons (Charlotte County Jail).
Background: The Publix in Punta Gorda, Florida, where Lyons allegedly slashed a 70‑year‑old man (Google Maps).
A Florida man allegedly singled out a random Publix shopper and sliced his face with a box cutter, claiming the victim looked like he was born in the 1960s,a decade the suspect says he “dislikes.”
Ramsey Thomas Lyons, 47, faces an aggravated‑battery charge for attacking a person aged 65 or older.
According to a probable‑cause arrest affidavit, the 70‑year‑old was browsing an aisle at the Publix located at 2310 Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda when he “suddenly felt as if someone had punched him in the left side of his face.” Turning around, he saw Lyons standing there, staring and brandishing a box cutter.
The affidavit notes that the victim spotted blood on his hands and realized he had been stabbed, then fled to find help.
Punta Gorda police arrived to find Lyons near the store entrance, hands covering his head. They placed him under arrest and recovered the box cutter at the scene.
After receiving his Miranda rights, Lyons told officers he suffers from an “undiagnosed mental illness” and harbors a “dislike for the 1960’s era.” He claimed he entered the store “with the intent to murder someone,” spotted the victim, and attacked because the man “looked like he was from the 1960’s,” the affidavit states.
“I just pulled it out of my pocket and stuck it in his neck,” Lyons allegedly said, adding that he had been contemplating an attack for two days.
Following the stabbing, Lyons dropped the box cutter, saying he wanted to ensure police wouldn’t be “scared” enough to shoot or Taser him, according to the report.
Officers noted that Lyons did not know the victim and chose him at random.
The victim sustained a gash that began on his left cheek near his mouth, ran down his jawline, and reached his neck. Police said he required “numerous stitches” to close the wound.
Lyons remains in the Charlotte County Jail without bond, and his next court appearance is scheduled for November 16.
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