PALM COAST, Fla. -- A New Year's Eve attack of a 60-year-old man has resulted in an additional charge of attempted murder being added to the suspect's other charges.
Kenneth Peters was arrested Monday evening after detectives with the Flagler County Sheriff's Office obtained a warrant for his arrest.
Peters allegedly attacked a 60-year-old man as he walked into his apartment in the European Village area of Palm Coast. After Peters attacked the man, he forced him inside his apartment. Peters then struck the man in the head, causing him to lose consciousness.
The man awoke to find his prescribed Oxycodone and his wallet missing.
The victim was transported to Flagler Hospital where he was treated for a severe head wound. In all the man received more than 55 stitches to his facial area and 15 staples to his head.
During the investigation, the victim was able to identify Peters as an acquaintance and provided police with a description as well as the name "Kenny".
Detectives located a "Kenny" in the victim's cell phone and contacted him. Peters cooperated with detectives and admitted to having planned to steal the victim's prescription, however he denied actually taking the pills.
According to police, Peters told detectives he struck the 60-year-old victim after he, Peters, declined to purchase his prescription drugs.
Peters told police when the victim put the victim put his hands on Peters' shoulders he turned around and hit the victim in the face multiple times "as hard as he could," according to a release.
Peters told police the victim's injuries happened as a result of the victim's head hitting the floor but not due to Peters striking him multiple times in the face "as hard as he could," according to the release.
"This case is not closed," said Flagler County Sheriff Donald Fleming. "As the investigation continues, Mr. Peters can expect to face additional charges," the Sheriff was quoted as saying when Peters was originally arrested.
Today the Sheriff's Office announced Peters would face the additional attempted murder charge. The charge was added due to the extent of the victim's injuries.
In addition to the attempted murder charge, Peters also faces charges of robbery and a
misdemeanor probation violation. He is currently being held in the
Flagler County Inmate Facility with no bond.
Peters is still being held in the
First Coast News