Deputies: China Cafe suspect used cleaver to stab coworker

MIDDLEBURG, Fla. — The suspect in the attack at a Middleburg Chinese restaurant used a cleaver to critically wound his co-worker, his Clay County Sheriff’s Office arrest report said.

The suspect, 58-year-old Mingfu Wu, had only arrived in Florida on Tuesday. He's now charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He is being held without bond.

According to the Clay County Sheriff’s office, Wu was working at the China Cafe in Middleburg around 11:30 a.m. Thursday when he tried to use the sink.

The victim, who was the only other employee in the business at the time of the incident, was using the sink at the same time and the two argued over who got to use it.

Deputies said Wu was agitated and asked the victim if he wanted to fight. Deputies say Wu then grabbed a cleaver and hit the victim multiple times.

Clay deputies: Man stabs co-worker at Chinese restaurant in Middleburg The Clay County Sheriff's Office is looking for a man who they say stabbed a fellow employee at a Chinese restaurant.

The victim had 12 stab wounds, which were classified as ‘defensive.’ The victim sustained severe wounds to the head and left arm, which are considered life-threatening. He's in critical but stable condition at UF Health.

Blood was visible on the floor of the business after the attack, customers said.

“It was enough to tell it was a crime scene," said Tamara Leverette, a China Cafe regular. “I’m just sorry that that happened to them because the [owners] are very nice. Very unfortunate.”

"Everybody is like family here," Leverette added. "It’s very unusual for that to happen here in Middleburg.”

After the attack, deputies said Wu ran to the Walmart across the street. He was arrested shortly after 10 p.m.

Deputies questioned him using a translator. Wu appeared in court Friday was granted no bond of the attempted murder charge and a $500,000 bond on the additional charge. The Clay County Sheriff's Office said Wu remains in custody.

Cox Media Group