DAVENPORT, Fla. – A man accused of killing his aunt and stabbing his father 23 times at a home near Davenport was found bleeding on the side of a road Wednesday morning in Osceola County, authorities said.
"He's evil in the flesh. If you have ever wondered what a terrible, horrible, despicable, dangerous person looks like, here's your sign," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Pedro Vega Jr. was spotted just after 7 a.m. along State Road 429, north of Interstate 4, officials said.
Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Darryl Crawford stopped to assist a Dodge pickup truck in the center median on the highway when he came upon Vega. Crawford ran the truck's plates and discovered that the vehicle was reported stolen and the driver was wanted for murder in Polk County, the FHP said.
"I'm told that he was sitting on the side of the road when the trooper discovered the suspect vehicle," Judd said. "Apparently it had gotten to the point that he coasted off the side of the road on Highway 429, so he's obviously at a loss of a lot of blood."
Judd said Vega was taken to a hospital for treatment after Vega had been shot by relatives Tuesday night.
Vega had an outstanding warrant for aggravated battery in connection with a case in which he's accused of stabbing and beating his estranged wife, deputies said.
A friend of Vega's estranged wife said she was afraid of him.
"I guess he done made comments that he was going to kill all her children and some of her other relatives and all," said Jammie Dunnahoe. "He beat her from the top of her head to the bottom of her feet. She was black and blue all over."
According to Judd, Vega had been in hiding and was seen with his aunt in Winter Haven two weeks ago.
"The person who loved him and protected him the most was his aunt," Judd said.
Vega showed up at the home Tuesday night and stabbed and killed his aunt, Judd said. Vega also stabbed his father 23 times, critically injuring him, Judd said.
Vega Jr.'s father was placed in a medically induced coma to help with his injuries. He was taken straight into surgery, officials said.
A motive for the attack is not known.
Vega went next door, where relatives live, but they heard screaming from the nearby house and didn't let him in, Judd said. Vega tried to enter, but someone shot him in the shoulder, Judd said. Vega, who had a rifle, entered the home and opened fire and was shot again, possibly in the stomach, according to Judd.
Vega stole his father's pickup truck and fled the area, Judd said.
A trail of blood led authorities to Vega's rifle, but he was not found until later.
"If you survive, we're going to put you in prison for the rest of your life. He's a bad man," Judd said.
A 4-year-old girl who was staying with the aunt was found covered in blood, but she did not appear to be seriously injured, Judd said.
Vega has a lengthy criminal history, including a 1986 arrest for rape in New York, Judd said. Vega spent 13 years in prison for sexual battery in Florida, according to Judd.
Authorities say both Vegas, father and son, are in serious but stable condition. They are expected to survive.
Vega Jr. faces new charges that include first degree murder, four counts of attempted first degree murder, false imprisonment, armed burglary and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.