FELLSMERE, Fla. — A man sought after a woman was seriously injured in a machete attack Monday night in Fellsmere has been taken into custody, ending a search that brought a heavy law-enforcement presence and a sheriff’s helicopter into the area.

Fellsmere Police identified the suspect as 36-year-old Christian Aaron Garcia Espinoza. Police had warned residents not to approach him while the search was underway.

Attack Reported on South Cypress Street

Fellsmere Police Chief Scott Newsom told local media the attack happened at about 8:05 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, inside a residence in the 100 block of South Cypress Street.

Newsom said the woman was cut multiple times with a machete and suffered serious injuries. She was transported to Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital, where her injuries were described as non-life-threatening.

Police said Garcia Espinoza fled the residence on a bicycle and took the machete with him.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive for the attack or whether Garcia Espinoza knew the victim.

Sheriff's Deputies and Helicopter Join Search

The Indian River County Sheriff's Office assisted Fellsmere Police during the search.

Sheriff's Lt. Kevin Jaworski told Treasure Coast Newspapers that deputies and the agency's helicopter assisted after a request for help came in at approximately 8:04 p.m.

The helicopter response confirms reports from Fellsmere residents Monday night who described a significant police presence and a helicopter searching the area.

Suspect Taken Into Custody

By Tuesday morning, Fellsmere Police had publicly identified Garcia Espinoza and circulated his photograph while asking the public for help locating him.

CBS12 reported Tuesday evening that Garcia Espinoza had been captured and taken into custody.

As of publication, authorities have not publicly released additional details explaining where Garcia Espinoza was located, the circumstances surrounding his capture, or the formal charges filed against him.

IRC Media will update this report as additional information, including booking and charging information, becomes available.

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