A Long Beach man pleaded guilty today to attempted murder for striking a 60-year-old former coworker several times in the head and face with an axe, nearly killing him.
On February 13, 2025, 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 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 attack, the victim dragged himself to the rear yard of a family member’s 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.
Surveillance video obtained through the investigation shows the defendant fleeing the scene on a white electronic bicycle and wearing dark clothing.
A search warrant was executed at Calvo’s apartment on February 19, 2025, during which a white electronic bicycle and full-face mask were discovered.
The axe used in the attack was also recovered and the defendant’s DNA was identified on the weapon.
“Anthony Calvo stalked and ambushed a man because of a petty disagreement, barbarically striking his head and face repeatedly with an axe until the man laid dying on the sidewalk,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly. “A year later, Calvo’s victim has survived and made strides in his recovery, beginning to communicate and relearning basic tasks like feeding himself. He, however, remains unable to walk or bear weight and still requires round-the-clock medical assistance. All because of a violent man with a grudge and his senseless attack.”
Calvo, 35, was arrested on March 12, 2025, by members of the Long Beach Police Department. He pleaded guilty on March 20 before Judge Robert Bogle to Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (a Class B violent felony). He is expected to be sentenced to 22 years in prison on May 1, 2026.
“With today’s plea, Calvo’s victim, his family, and the Long Beach community can hopefully take comfort in knowing that this dangerous individual will spend the next two decades in prison,” Donnelly said.