Man with knife accused of attacking elderly woman at retirement home

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Channel 9 was there Sunday morning when deputies arrested a 43-year-old man accused of attacking an elderly woman with a knife in Orange County.

Authorities said the attack happened at the Summertime Retirement Home on North Wymore Road, which is the mental health facility where Harold Bennett lived until Wednesday, when he was allegedly kicked out after threatening people inside.

Witnesses said the victim just pulled in the parking lot and was about to go inside to give communion when Bennett allegedly rushed her, pushed her to the ground and held a knife, threatening to kill her.

Deputies arrested Bennett on Lee Road after an Orange County sheriff's helicopter spotted him.

During his arrest, Bennett's pants dropped to the ground as authorities searched for weapons on him.

Bennett's arrest report said he was also making statements about Satan.

"Maybe he was paranoid about the communion," said psychologist Alice Maalouf, who is familiar with residents of the retirement home. "It triggered something in his brain; an association. Things happen."

Maalouf said violence at the retirement home is unusual.

"Things happen but our population tend to be victims of violence rather than perpetrators," she said.

The elderly victim is a minister of the sick at St. Charles Borromeo Church, Channel 9 learned.

Staff members said they were disturbed after hearing what happened and are praying for the victim's recovery.

WFTV