Sebastian Man Held Without Bond After Attack Leaves Victim Seriously Injured

Staff Writer
Sep 6, 2026
SEBASTIAN, Fla. — A Sebastian man remained held without bond Sunday after police said a Friday-night attack on Periwinkle Drive left a 44-year-old man seriously injured and a 34-year-old woman with minor injuries.
Sebastian police identified the suspect as 36-year-old Daniel Fontanez. Officers were called at approximately 10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, to the 200 block of Periwinkle Drive for a disturbance involving Fontanez and the 44-year-old man.
POLICE SAY VICTIM WAS AIRLIFTED
Investigators said Fontanez attacked the man with a weapon and caused serious bodily injuries. Because of the severity of those injuries, the victim was transported by helicopter to a nearby medical facility.
Police said a 34-year-old woman was also struck during the incident. Her injuries were described as minor and non-life-threatening.
Authorities have not publicly released the victims' names. As of Sunday evening, IRC Media found no confirmed public update on the 44-year-old man's current medical condition.
SUSPECT LOCATED WITHIN ABOUT AN HOUR
Sebastian police said Fontanez was located within approximately one hour of the attack and taken into custody without further incident or injury.
Fontanez was booked into the Indian River County Jail early Saturday. Sebastian Daily reported Sunday that he remained jailed without bond following a first appearance Saturday.
Police said there is no known continuing threat to public safety related to the incident.
CHARGE LISTING CREATES CONFUSION
Public reporting on the most serious charge has not been entirely consistent.
Local media reported Fontanez was booked on charges including attempted second-degree murder, criminal attempt of a first-degree felony, burglary of an occupied conveyance and simple battery.
Other reports citing jail records listed second-degree murder without premeditation even though police have said the 44-year-old victim survived the attack and was transported for treatment.
IRC Media is describing the allegation as attempted second-degree murder based on the latest reporting and the fact that no death has been reported. The precise formal charges ultimately prosecuted will be determined through the court process.
INVESTIGATION REMAINS ACTIVE
Police have not publicly detailed what led to the confrontation, the relationship between Fontanez and the victims, or the specific weapon allegedly used.
The burglary-of-an-occupied-conveyance allegation raises questions about whether part of the incident involved a vehicle, but police have not released enough information to establish those circumstances. IRC Media will not speculate beyond what investigators have confirmed.
Sebastian police have said the investigation remains active and that additional information is being withheld out of respect for those directly involved.
Fontanez has been arrested and charged, but the allegations against him have not been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


