Manatee assault suspect found hiding in car trunk

MANATEE - A 21-year-old man was arrested after he broke into his ex-girlfriend's apartment and threatened to kill her, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. Deputies arrested the suspect after they found him hiding in the trunk of a car.

About 2:05 a.m. this morning, Justin Garrett kicked in the door of a residence in the 100 block of 41st Street West, and went to the kitchen to grab a knife. He found the 30-year-old woman in the bedroom and demanded money, according to a report.

The woman ran, and Garrett chased her to the living room, where he grabbed her by the throat and threatened to kill her and himself, "stating that if he could not have her, no one will," a news release states.

Hearing the screams, a neighbor, a 31-year-old man, came over and told Garrett he was going to call the police.

As Garrett fled, he tried to punch the neighbor, according to the sheriff's office.

Responding deputies found Garrett hiding in the trunk of a car parked near the intersection of First Avenue West and 43rd Street West, the news release states.

Garrett, who faces charges of armed home invasion robbery, assault and battery, was being held without bond at the Manatee County jail.