Authorities in Nebraska have arrested and charged a man accused of violently attacking a woman and her young daughter using a “Star Wars” lightsaber toy.
Autistic man attacks victims with lightsaber toy
The alleged assault took place in the front yard of the victims’ home in Auburn last month.
Aidan White, 25, now faces felony charges including second-degree assault and child abuse following an incident on April 28, according to court documents filed by the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the arrest affidavit, the alleged altercation began when Saundra Lunzmann, 37, was sitting outside her home. She noticed White interacting with her children.
Soon after, her seven-year-old daughter, identified in the affidavit as K.L., came running toward her mother in tears and holding her arm.
When Lunzmann confronted White and asked whether he had struck her daughter, White allegedly became irate.
“I’m not in the mood, get back in your f***king house,” he reportedly shouted, according to the police account.
Lunzmann tried to get her children inside for safety, but not before White allegedly rushed at her and swung the toy lightsaber.
Investigators say he hit her in the right shoulder and arm. Her daughter was also hit on her right ring finger, causing visible redness, authorities said.
Police responded to the scene after receiving a call around 8:36 p.m. Lunzmann told officers that White retreated to his nearby apartment shortly after the confrontation.
She also informed deputies that he had a history of unpredictable behavior and violent tendencies.
Witnesses living in a building across the street supported her version of events, telling police they saw White strike both the woman and her child.
Witnesses and the victims indicated to deputies that White, who is reportedly on the autism spectrum, had previously frightened neighbors before, including once when he allegedly chased someone with an axe.
Man apologizes after assaulting victims with lightsaber toy
In a surprising turn, White returned to Lunzmann’s yard while law enforcement officers were still on the property conducting their investigation.
He reportedly admitted to the attacks in front of officers and apologized directly to both Lunzmann and her daughter.
According to police, he acknowledged that what he did was “unacceptable behavior” and cooperated respectfully with officers.
White told deputies his actions were motivated by frustration over a rent increase, although the police report did not make clear how the victims were connected to his housing situation.
Deputy Matthew Kadavy, who filed the affidavit, grabbed the lightsaber used in the incident with assistance from White’s father.
Authorities described the item as a higher-end replica measuring approximately three and a half feet in length, constructed with metal and thick plastic.
According to the affidavit, it was capable of delivering painful and potentially injury-causing blows.
White is currently in custody awaiting his next court hearing, scheduled for June 3.
Florida man accused of assaulting elderly neighbor
In an unrelated case, a Florida man has been taken into custody following allegations that he assaulted a 75-year-old neighbor with an electric bicycle tire and rim during an argument about garbage disposal.
George Horton, 47, is facing a felony charge of aggravated battery on a senior citizen after allegedly beating Rodolfo Ortega outside their Miami Beach apartment complex.
According to law enforcement, the disagreement stemmed from Horton’s dissatisfaction with how Ortega was managing his trash.
Ortega told local news outlet WSVN that the encounter turned violent when Horton struck him repeatedly.
“He tried to kill me,” Ortega told reporters. “I tell the guy, ‘Don’t touch me.’”
“He touched me, and I tried to defend [myself],” Ortega added. He described injuries to his head, noting, “the attack broke my head open.”
An arrest report obtained by WPLG stated that Ortega had initially brandished a screwdriver in an attempt to protect himself.
However, Horton allegedly escalated the conflict by grabbing a bicycle part and using it to hit Ortega on the face, head, and body.
Surveillance video from nearby reportedly captured portions of the incident.
Ortega recalled that after being attacked, he fell to the ground and suffered several cuts to his hands, head, and other areas.
“I don’t have nothing with the guy, no problem,” Ortega said. “Every day I say hi.”
Police were not able to immediately locate Horton following the alleged assault.
According to their report, he was found the next morning outside Ortega’s residence, knocking on the door and shouting incoherent phrases.
Officers noted that Horton smelled strongly of alcohol at the time. He was arrested and remains in custody.
