The Bay County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Tampa man Friday afternoon, after he allegedly battered a local man earlier Friday morning as he was leaving for work.

The attack took place at approximately 6:30 a.m. as the victim walked out of the garage of his Callaway home on Jan Drive.

The suspect hid behind a utility trailer parked in the driveway, jumping out to attack the victim with a collapsible baton. The victim was able to block the blows with his arms to protect his head while retreating back into his garage. The suspect followed the victim into the garage and continued to strike him. Finally, the victim and other family members who heard the altercation and responded to help were able to subdue the suspect and hold him until law enforcement arrived.

The suspect was identified as Eric R. Roberts, of Tampa. Roberts drove a black Nissan Altima to the Callaway home. The victim stated he had seen the same car at his place of employment on Thursday and again on his street the same day.

Investigators do not believe this was a random attack, but the motive for the altercation remains unclear.

Roberts has been charged with Battery, Aggravated Battery, and Aggravated Stalking. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.