An off-duty Florida police officer was stabbed twice during an attempted robbery at a dry cleaners while picking up his laundry, authorities said.
According to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital, 73-year-old Glenn Gotell was attempting to rob a clerk at Costles Dry Cleaning in Greenacres, Florida, around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday when an off-duty police officer came to retrieve his clothes.
Authorities said Gotell entered a local store, approached the cashier and demanded that she “open the box.” According to court documents, an unidentified off-duty Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy arrived on the scene, entered the store and immediately realized a criminal situation had occurred.
When officers intervened, the suspect stabbed the officer twice in the torso and hand. The officer was taken to a local hospital in stable condition, police said.
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Glenn Gotell faces multiple charges including attempted murder of a police officer, armed robbery, armed theft and auto theft. (Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office)
After the attack, Gotell allegedly stole the deputy's patrol car and abandoned it at a nearby intersection before hiding out in a local library, authorities said.
“The stolen patrol vehicle was recovered within minutes and less than a half mile of the attempted robbery,” court documents state.
While searching the area, local police spoke with a witness who said Gotell was homeless, according to court documents.
One witness reportedly pointed to two shopping carts near the entrance to the public library and said one of them belonged to Gotell.
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Authorities also found blue jeans, a belt and Nike shoes that Gotell is believed to have worn during the attempted robbery and that he discarded during his escape.
Florida authorities said Glenn Gottel is suspected of stealing an officer's vehicle after the attempted robbery. (Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office)
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Authorities entered the library, found Gothel, and arrested him.
Gotell is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder of a police officer, armed robbery, armed theft and grand theft of a motor vehicle. Police said the stabbing remains under investigation.
