While conducting surveillance of the Mallory Square Panhandling zone, two Key West Police officers witnessed a violent altercation between two homeless individuals.

Mark Toner, age unknown at this time, and Kyle Gassett, 25, were in a heated argument in the panhandling zone at Mallory Square. Toner picked up a glass fish figurine that was on the ground and dumped the money that was in it out. Toner acted like he was going to hit Gassett with the fish figurine. Other homeless individuals in the panhandling zone intervened and stop Toner from hitting Gassett.

However, Toner and Gassett continued to argue, when Gassett squared up with Toner. Toner suddenly hit Gassett over the head with the glass fish figurine. Gassett jumped on Toner and began violently beating him with a closed fist till he was unconscious. Gassett continued to violently beat Toner after he was unconscious. Sergeant Billy Vazquez and Ofc. Purcell left their area of concealment and ordered Gassett to stop. Gassett stood up aggressively and took a step towards Sgt. Vazquez, who deployed his taser. Gassett continued to resist and was tased again. Ofc. Purcell was then able to take Gassett into custody.

Toner was immediately flown out to Ryder Trauma Center, with serious injuries to his head and face. Gassett was transported to the hospital to be checked out.

Gassett was charged with 2nd degree attempted murder and resisting arrest. Mark Toner will be possibly facing criminal charges after he is released from the hospital.

Toner is listed in stable condition at Ryder Trauma Center with multiple facial fractures and head injuries. His family was located in New Jersey and notified.

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