Longboat resident charged in road rage stabbing

The Sarasota Police Department has arrested a Longboat Key resident in connection with a stabbing that occurred following a road rage incident before 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

Steven Walters, 50, allegedly began punching 41-year-old Michael Gatz during the altercation in front of Petco in the Paradise Plaza parking lot near the intersection of Bee Ridge Road and South Tamiami Trail. Walters then slashed Gatz in the face several times before fleeing the scene.

Officers found Walters walking through the parking lot, and he was treated for a cut on his hand at Sarasota Memorial Hospital before his arrest. Emergency personnel transported Gatz by Bayflite to Blake Medical Center.

Sarasota police charged Walters with aggravated battery and tampering with evidence, both of which are felonies.

Earlier: A road rage incident escalated to a fist fight, and ended with a stabbing in the Paradise Plaza parking lot today, according to the Sarasota Police Department.

Two men pulled into the lot in front of Petco and began fighting, before one of the men pulled a knife and began slashing the other individual's face. Emergency personnel transported the stabbing victim by Bayflight to a local hospital, and SPD has the suspect in custody at Sarasota Memorial Hospital for his injuries.