A man broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home and attacked her father early on Wednesday morning, Winter Haven police said.
30-year-old Ashir J. Matai, who once dated Carlos Felippe’s daughter, Nicole, broke into the residence in the 1700 block of Avenue C, in Winter Haven, police also said. Since the relationship ended, Matai would break in at various times of the night.
Felippe encountered Matai when he went to check each room in the house.
Matai was found attempting to hide behind a door and police say, when he was confronted by Felippe an argument ensued.
Felippe was punched by Matai, who punched back.
Police say, Matai ran from the home yelling, “This isn’t over, it’s just beginning.”
“Thankfully, this young lady’s father was alert and able to keep Matai from harming his daughter or wife,” Chief Gary Hester said. “There is no doubt in my mind that this situation will continue to escalate and the possibility of him seriously injuring someone is high.”
Matai currently has outstanding warrants for Possession of MDMA (Ecstasy), failure to appear on charges for domestic battery, giving a false name to law enforcement, among others.
Anyone with information on Matai’s whereabouts is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at # 1-800-266-8477 or Detective Scott Evans at # 863-291-5671.
