Shovel Shock in Central WPB (33405) : West Palm Beach Man Arrested After Violent Neighbor Attack – INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY

Central WPB (33405) – What began as a seemingly ordinary Monday afternoon in a quiet West Palm Beach neighborhood erupted into violence when a man reportedly attacked his neighbor with a shovel in broad daylight. The bizarre and disturbing incident unfolded around 2:15 PM near Miller Avenue and Belvedere Road, sending residents scrambling and prompting an urgent police response.

Authorities say 42-year-old Leonard Briggs was taken into custody at the scene after allegedly striking his 60-year-old neighbor multiple times with a garden shovel during a dispute over property lines. The victim, who has not been publicly identified, was rushed to St. Mary’s Medical Center with serious head and shoulder injuries. He remains hospitalized in stable condition.

Key Facts

• BREAKING: Man arrested after hitting neighbor with shovel near Miller Ave, West Palm Beach

• IMPACT: 60-year-old man hospitalized with severe injuries

• OFFICIAL SOURCE: “This was an unprovoked, extremely violent act” – Sgt. Raymond Judson

• ACTION: Residents urged to report any history of escalating neighbor disputes

West Palm Beach Police confirm that Briggs faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect yelling before grabbing the shovel from his yard and charging toward the victim without warning.

“This was an unprovoked, extremely violent act,” said WPBPD Sgt. Raymond Judson. “We’re thankful the victim survived.”

Police have responded to previous complaints between the two neighbors, but nothing on record suggested it would escalate to physical violence.

Hyperlocal Impact

1. Precise Location:
   Central WPB (33405) – Near Miller Ave & Belvedere Rd, close to Howard Park

2. Community Connection:
   “We all keep our distance now — people are scared something else might happen.”
   – Angela Ruiz, manager of Miller Laundromat

Exclusive Angle

• WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
  This is the third neighborhood assault in West Palm Beach this month, following a rise in disputes tied to mental health and housing tension.
  Officials say heat waves and economic pressure are fueling public outbursts.

Crisis Response

• IMMEDIATE RESOURCES:
  » WPB Crisis Response Team: (561) 822-1900 / wpb.org/crisis
  » Trauma Counseling (211 Helpline): Dial 211 or text “HELP” to 898211

• OFFICIAL GUIDANCE:
  “Do not ignore repeated disturbances. Report threats early to avoid escalation.”
  – Lt. Karla Simmons, WPBPD Community Affairs Unit

Update Log

•  2:45 PM: Leonard Briggs arrested and taken to Palm Beach County Jail

•  3:10 PM: Victim admitted to St. Mary’s with blunt-force trauma

• 4:00 PM: WPBPD confirms prior nonviolent reports involving both individuals