Man Stabbed, Motorcycle Shop ‘Trashed,’ Search for Suspect Continues

HUDSON, FL — A boss who tried to help an employee of his meet with an ex-girlfriend about a child custody matter ended up with stab wounds and a trashed motorcycle shop for his troubles, according to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. Now, that agency’s deputies are looking for the Hudson man they say is responsible.

According to the sheriff’s office, William Engle, 26, went to a 7-Eleven on U.S. 19 and County Line Road around 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 18. Engle’s boss, the owner of Action Honda, went along with him, an email from the sheriff’s office said.

“Engle is a known drug user and can be violent,” the email said.

At some point during the meeting, an argument between Engle and the ex-girlfriend broke out and Engle is accused of trying to slash his ex-girlfriend’s tires with a knife.

“The boss intervened and was cut by Engle on the hand and across the stomach,” the email said. The wounds are considered minor, the sheriff’s office noted.

After the altercation at the 7-Eleven, deputies say Engle left the scene and went to Action Honda, 15628 U.S. 19 in Hudson, where he had parked his car.

“He entered into his vehicle and used the vehicle to ram both glass showroom doors of the business, causing damage in excess of $75,000,” the email said. Deputies say Engle then took off on a white Honda motorcycle.

Anyone who knows of Engle’s whereabouts is asked to call 911. Anonymous tips that may be eligible for a reward of up to $3,000 may be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-873-TIPS.

Engle faces aggravated battery, criminal trespass and business burglary charges, deputies say. The victim's name has not been released.

Photos courtesy of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office