Police are searching for a suspect after a man said he was attacked while walking his dogs in Wilton Manors Saturday night.
Gianni Kahlo is recovering at home with injuries to his neck and left hand after what he described as a sudden and unexpected attack in his own neighborhood.
Kahlo said he was walking his two dogs near Northeast 19th Street and Wilton Drive when he heard a noise behind him.
“I was going to turn, and then I see a hand right in front of me,” Kahlo said.
Kahlo said his first instinct was to grab the person’s hand.
Kahlo said he was cut during the encounter, but he does not remember seeing a weapon or the face of the person who attacked him.
Despite his injuries, Kahlo managed to walk a short distance back to his home.
“I couldn’t open my door. I had blood all over my hands, my body,” he said.
His roommate called 911, and Kahlo was taken to the hospital for treatment.
He has since returned home, but said the attack has changed how he feels about walking at night and living in the neighborhood.
“I want to move out of this town,” Kahlo said.
When asked what he hopes people take away from his story, his message was simple: “Be aware.”
Wilton Manors police believe the attack was an isolated incident. Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the Wilton Manors Police Department.
A GoFundMe has also been established to help Kahlo with expenses related to the attack.