A Long Beach man pleaded guilty on attempted murder and assault charges on Friday, March 20 for striking a 60-year-old former coworker several times in the head and face with an axe, nearly killing him, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly announced.
Anthony Calvo, 35, pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder and is expected to be sentenced to 22 years in prison on May 1.
On Feb. 13, 2025, the unidentified victim was walking home on Arizona Avenue from his overnight shift as a taxi dispatcher for Long Beach Taxi, Donnelly said.
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, Donnelly said. Calvo was previously employed at Long Beach Taxi as a driver and left the company in 2022, the DA said.
After the alleged attack, the victim dragged himself to the rear yard of his home and banged on the door for help, the DA said. A family member called 911 and members of the Long Beach Police Department responded to the scene, she said.
According to Donnelly, the victim was transported to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, where it was discovered he suffered serious, life-threatening injuries to his head and jaw, requiring multiple surgeries.
Donnelly said surveillance video obtained during the investigation shows Calvo fleeing the scene on a white electric bicycle, wearing dark clothing.
A search warrant was executed at the defendant’s apartment on Feb. 19, during which a white electronic bicycle and a full-face mask were discovered. Calvo was arrested on March 12, Donnelly said. The axe used in the attack was also recovered and Calvo’s DNA was identified on the weapon, she said.
“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 after the guilty plea.
