- April 24, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
In the early hours of May 24, Rene Laso was arrested by Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after a confrontation with a woman and her boyfriend outside Smiles bar.
“This case could easily have turned into something much more tragic,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Alcohol, arguing and weapons are a recipe for disaster. Thankfully the injuries the victims sustained do not appear life-threatening and we hope they can make a full recovery. I understand all of this started because Laso was looking for a date, well, now he has one — with the judge.”
Just before 1:30 a.m. May 24, the FCSO responded to a call about a stabbing that had occurred at Smiles, a bar located in Palm Coast on Palm Harbor Village Way.
Upon arrival, FCSO deputies were told by multiple people that 55-year-old Rene Laso had just stabbed two people with a knife that was laying on the ground in the parking lot. When questioned by deputies, Laso advised that he “was using the knife that was on the ground” just before FCSO’s arrival, at which point he was detained.
Deputies spoke to the first victim who stated that she has been harassed by Laso for the past few months and that Laso had previously offered her $5,000 to perform sexual favors, which she has declined. The victim stated she was out with her boyfriend and friends at Smiles bar when Laso showed up and her boyfriend decided to confront him about the propositions.
The victim stated that during the confrontation, Laso referred to her as a “$100 whore” and a more intense verbal argument began. The victim attempted to get between the two men and that is when Laso said "I have a knife and will cut you" before stabbing the victim and her boyfriend with his knife. The victim stated that she was then able to flee back inside the bar and ask for help. Laso attempted to leave the parking lot on his motorcycle but other patrons at the bar came outside and prevented Laso from leaving by kicking over his bike.
Both victims were treated for multiple stab wounds on the scene and transported to Advent Health.
When questioned by deputies, Laso advised that he and the victims were both drinking in the bar and asking him why Laso thought he should proposition the victim for sex. Laso stated that he and the victims went outside to talk about it and that the victim slapped him in the face. Laso said he was upset over being struck in the face so he called the victim a “$100 hooker” and then he was attacked and chased. When asked at which point the knife was brought out, Laso told deputies that he "didn't try stabbing them" and that he was chased through the parking lot after his motorcycle was kicked over.
The FCSO’s investigation into the incident revealed the actual altercation occurred outside of the bar, at which point Laso stabbed the first victim who then re-entered the bar to report it. An altercation also occurred between the victims' boyfriend and Laso during which time the boyfriend also sustained multiple stab wounds including one to his back from Laso. FCSO deputies placed Rene Laso under arrest.
Rene Laso was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. He is charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and is held on no bond.
