Merab-Michal Favorite

By Merab-Michal Favorite

A man was arrested March 14 after he allegedly stabbed a woman multiple times after learning she had an intimate relationship with their roommate, according to the Holmes Beach Police Department.

Andrew Helderman, 23, of the 300 block of Clark Drive, faces charges of attempted second-degree murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after police found him covered in blood, straddling a woman in the bathtub. The victim was found with a “medium-sized pocket knife” protruding from her neck, according to a press release from Chief Bill Tokajer.

Around 11 p.m., officers arrived at Helderman’s home in response to a 911 call.  When they entered the home, they could hear a woman calling for help from the bathroom, the report said.

Officer Steve Ogline forced entry into the bathroom, allegedly finding Helderman straddling the 31-year-old woman.

The woman had suffered multiple stab wounds to her body.

Ogline ordered Helderman at gunpoint to stop and stand up. He complied and was led to the living room, where he was taken into custody, the report said.

The 39-year-old roommate, who called 911, told police the three of them reside together at the Clark Drive address.

Prior to the attack, the male roommate told police, all three of them had a discussion about the woman “hooking up” with them. He told police that everything seemed fine following their conversation, but then Helderman began attacking the woman.

The witness said he tried to intervene several times, at one point picking up the shower curtain rod from the floor and hitting Helderman in the head.

Tokajer said the male victim also told police that he videotaped the attack with his cell phone before calling 911.

All of the parties involved were treated by EMS. Both Helderman and the victim were transported to Blake Medical Center.

The female victim was in reported to be in serious but stable condition and was initially moved to an intensive care unit.

Helderman was cleared and taken to the Manatee County jail, where he is being held without bond.

The second victim suffered minor cuts from trying to stop Helderman during the attack.

Tokajer said the suspect and the victims have been the subject of numerous complaints prior to this incident.