JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A man police said they believe attacked a disc jockey and cut his eyes out during an altercation near a Riverside bar last month has been arrested in New Orleans.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said the DJ was attacked in the early-morning hours of July near the Starlite Café. Police said the attacker gouged the man's eyes out, WJXT reported.
The victim, 39-year-old Anthony Blakely, was found lying in the street just blocks from the bar. According to a police report, the DJ had life-threatening injuries and both of his eyes were protruding from his face.
"(It's) heartbreaking to think something like that would happen here," said one of the DJ's co-workers, Kir Kay.
Police identified Foster Leon, 30, as a suspect and obtained an arrest warrant charging him with aggravated battery.
Police got word Friday that Leon was picked up in New Orleans. They said a tip led U.S. marshals to where Leon was hiding.
Investigators said Leon should be returned to Jacksonville in the next two or three weeks.
"We get the support from the community, we're going to get our man," said Jacksonville Sheriff's Office spokesman Ken Jefferson.
Friends of the victim told WJXT the man who loved playing music in the bar now has to rely on his hearing because the attack left him blind. They said he worked part-time as a DJ, and he may have got into a dispute with Leon over a girl.
"I cannot image what would drive somebody to do that," Kay said.
"Every now and then, something will come up that just takes us aback, that we've not seen or heard of or wouldn't ever think of happening -- this is such as case," Jefferson said.
Friends said Blakely moved out of state after the attack, but before he left they said he stopped by the bar to say goodbye.
"Very strong, very determined. I don't know what I'd do in his position. I'm proud of him. I can tell you that I'm proud of him," Kay said.
Blakely continues to recover from his injuries. A benefit concert to help defray his medical bills is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at the Starlite Café on Park Street.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said the DJ was attacked in the early-morning hours of July near the Starlite Café. Police said the attacker gouged the man's eyes out, WJXT reported.
The victim, 39-year-old Anthony Blakely, was found lying in the street just blocks from the bar. According to a police report, the DJ had life-threatening injuries and both of his eyes were protruding from his face.
"(It's) heartbreaking to think something like that would happen here," said one of the DJ's co-workers, Kir Kay.
Police identified Foster Leon, 30, as a suspect and obtained an arrest warrant charging him with aggravated battery.
Police got word Friday that Leon was picked up in New Orleans. They said a tip led U.S. marshals to where Leon was hiding.
Investigators said Leon should be returned to Jacksonville in the next two or three weeks.
"We get the support from the community, we're going to get our man," said Jacksonville Sheriff's Office spokesman Ken Jefferson.
Friends of the victim told WJXT the man who loved playing music in the bar now has to rely on his hearing because the attack left him blind. They said he worked part-time as a DJ, and he may have got into a dispute with Leon over a girl.
"I cannot image what would drive somebody to do that," Kay said.
"Every now and then, something will come up that just takes us aback, that we've not seen or heard of or wouldn't ever think of happening -- this is such as case," Jefferson said.
Friends said Blakely moved out of state after the attack, but before he left they said he stopped by the bar to say goodbye.
"Very strong, very determined. I don't know what I'd do in his position. I'm proud of him. I can tell you that I'm proud of him," Kay said.
Blakely continues to recover from his injuries. A benefit concert to help defray his medical bills is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at the Starlite Café on Park Street.
