A Long Beach man was indicted on attempted murder and assault charges for allegedly striking a 60-year-old former coworker in the head and face with an axe multiple times, resulting in life-threatening injuries.
On February 13 at approximately 5:50 a.m., the victim was walking home from his overnight shift as a taxi dispatcher for Long Beach Taxi. As the victim walked down Arizona Avenue toward his home, Anthony Calvo allegedly ran up to him from behind and attacked him with an axe, striking him at least three times, in his face, head, and arm. Calvo was previously employed at Long Beach Taxi as a driver and stopped working there in 2022.
After the alleged attack, the victim dragged himself to the rear yard of his home and banged on the door for help. A family member called 911 and members of the Long Beach Police Department responded to the scene. The victim was transported to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital. He suffered serious injuries to his head and jaw, requiring multiple surgeries. The victim still faces a substantial risk of death because of his injuries.
Surveillance video obtained through the investigation shows Calvo fleeing the scene on a white electronic bicycle and wearing dark clothing.
A search warrant was executed at Calvo’s apartment on February 19, during which a white electronic bicycle and full-face mask were discovered.
Calvo, 34, was arrested on March 12 by members of the Long Beach Police Department. He was arraigned on April 24 before Judge Robert Bogle on grand jury indictment charges of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and Assault in the First Degree (both Class B violent felonies).
The defendant was remanded and is due back in court on June 2, 2025. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison.
“A past workplace disagreement spurred this alleged horrific unprovoked attack that left a man with catastrophic injuries and clinging to life,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly. “Miraculously, despite the significant trauma he had allegedly suffered at the hands of this defendant, the victim was able to drag himself to his home, bang on the door, and get help. This brutal, senseless attack will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and we will get justice for this victim.”
“Thanks to the dedicated and collaborative efforts of the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, the Nassau County Police Homicide Squad and our Long Beach Police Detectives and Officers, a dangerous individual has been taken off of the street,” said Long Beach’s Acting Police Commissioner, Richard DePalma. “The arrest and subsequent indictment for attempted murder represent a critical step in delivering justice and ensuring safety for our community. We remain committed to protecting our city and will continue to pursue those who commit violence against others.”