Cape Coral man accused of using broom as weapon during assault on ex-employer

A Cape Coral man is facing charges after being accused of using a broken broom as a weapon against his employer, who fired him. According to the Cape Coral Police Department, officers responded to Northeast 19th Place on August 31 after a reported assault had taken place. Officers spoke with the victim, who said he had fired an employee, identified as James Miranda, 52, and said that Miranda had become upset and aggressive, the arrest report said. The victim told officers that Miranda took a broomstick from a dumpster, broke it on the ground, and then charged at him, thrusting the sharp edges in an attempt to stab the victim. The victim said he had to jump out of the way to avoid being stabbed. Miranda was then picked up and left the scene in a car, CCPD said. Officers spoke with a witness who confirmed the victim's story. The vehicle Miranda left the scene in was found traveling near the 1000 block of Diplomat Parkway West, and officers conducted a traffic stop, the report said. Miranda admitted to officers that he did break the broomstick, but denied threatening the victim with it, saying he only raised it at the victim, the CCPD report said. A witness in the vehicle with Miranda confirmed she had watched the assault take place. Miranda was arrested and faces a charge of aggravated assault. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV