Miami Man Stabbed His Building's Security Guard: Police

Lloyd Campbell wore a white eye patch to court, where a judge reduced his charge to aggravated battery

A Miami-Dade judge reduced a Miami man's attempted murder charge to aggravated battery Tuesday, two days after police said he stabbed his building's security guard during an argument

Lloyd Campbell, 28, was arrested on a charge of attempted murder with a deadly weapon following the incident at the building at 5185 NW 29th Ave., according to a Miami-Dade Police arrest affidavit released Tuesday.

But Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Maria Elena Verde found probable cause for the lesser chage of aggravated battery in bond court, after an attorney for Campbell argued that the fight between the two men did not make it an attempted murder case.

Campbell, who was hospitalized for an injury to his left eye, appeared in court wearing a white eye patch. He cried at various points during the hearing, including when he removed the patch to show his injury.

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Verde ordered Campbell to stay away from the alleged victim.

"You need to understand this," the judge told Campbell. "This is very, very serious. I’m allowing you to post your bond, but you can have zero contact with the victim on this case.”

The judge initially set his bond at $7,500, but ultimately decided to release him through The Alternative Program (T.A.P.), an alternative form of pretrial supervision.

Campbell first cried as the judge reviewed the case file as the hearing began.

“Thank you, Ma’am, for taking the time out to read it," he said.

When his attorney asked him how long he's lived in Miami, Campbell replied, “All my life. I’m a good citizen,” his voice breaking.

“OK, Mr. Campbell, I’m trying to help you, I’m trying to help you," the attorney said. "I know you’re upset, but we’ll try to help you. Please.”

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According to the affidavit, Campbell confronted the security guard in the building's lobby and made derogatory comments. The two got into an argument and Campbell pulled out a pocketknife, the affidavit said.

Campbell cut the guard on his arm, causing multiple lacerations, and the guard punched Campbell and slammed him to the ground in self-defense, the affidavit said.

The struggle continued and Campbell was able to stab the guard in the abdomen and leg before he fled the scene, the affidavit said. He was quickly caught by officers.

The victim, who wasn't identified, was taken to Ryder Trauma Center in serious but stable condition.

When officers interviewed Campbell, he told them he had been eating lunch in the lobby of the building with a friend when the guard started provoking him, the affidavit said. Campbell also claimed the guard hit him first.

Campbell's attorney, referring to his eye injury, said Campbell justifiably defended himself.

Campbell said he does not work, and said he receives Social Security benefits because he has a learning disability and cannot read well.

He thanked the judge multiple times, including when she found probable cause for aggravated battery.

“Ma’am, thank you for taking the time out to listen to me," he said. "I really appreciate it."

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