Cantonment Man Charged With Attacking Woman With Machete

January 4, 2022

A Cantonment man has been charged with attacking a woman with a machete after she refused to give him money.

Lorenzo McNeal, 47, was charged with aggravated battery and robbery. He remains in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $350,000.

McNeal allegedly hit the woman several times with a machete and took $500 in cash, debit cards and two cellphones. The victim told deputies that she knew McNeal and was visiting him the morning of December 3. McNeal began asking about money she received in a lawsuit and his need to pay rent.

She went to a neighbor’s house. McNeal later arrived, threatening her life and to burn the house down if she did not go to the bank and give him money. He then pulled the machete from behind his back and attacked her with the dull side of the blade, the report states.

A deputy interviewing the victim saw smoke rising from the home where the alleged assault took place. The home burned and was found to be arson.

To date, McNeal has not been charged or named as a suspect in the arson.

Pictured above: Flames rage above a structure in Cantonment before the arrival of firefighters the morning of December 3.  NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Comments

7 Responses to “Cantonment Man Charged With Attacking Woman With Machete”

  1. Anne on January 4th, 2022 9:25 pm

    McNeal appears to be quite smug in this mug shot.
    Has that look of ‘I’ll be back on the streets soon and finish the job’.
    When did it become OKAY to attack others and perhaps burn their homes down?
    Hope the victim had insurance for her home.
    God Help us ALL…..the world has so many lost souls now.

  2. Rasheed Jackson on January 4th, 2022 6:33 pm

    What ever happened to holding down a regular job and using that to pay your rent. To the woman who was attacked, don’t tell your business to everyone, especially a person who cannot pay their rent.

  3. Charlotte Rebecca Bates on January 4th, 2022 11:52 am

    Has not been charged as a suspect in the arson? After making threats that he would burn the house down? WOW!! I know they have to “prove” he did it before they can charge him for it, but in my opinion, the writing is on the wall.

  4. RAD on January 4th, 2022 10:36 am

    Not sure how he has managed to stay out of prison for his numerous previous transgressions but perhaps this time he will spend some time there. Rent not required.

  5. A on January 4th, 2022 9:19 am

    Glad she survived his attack. Pretty sure you’re not allowed to attack someone with a machete the last time I checked. Even if it’s just the dull side. What a loser.

  6. Mike on January 4th, 2022 8:37 am

    Cantonment getting to be a regular on here. Jeez

  7. Concerned on January 4th, 2022 5:36 am

    And this guy is still alive. I don’t think justice is being served anymore