Florida Keys man throws ax at father, deputies say

Austin Odom arrested on charge of aggravated battery

Austin Odom is accused of throwing an ax at his father.

KEY WEST, Fla. – A Florida Keys man was arrested after he threw an ax at his father, injuring his wrist, Monroe County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Becky Herrin said.

Austin Odom, 26, faces a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

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Odom's 47-year-old father told deputies that he asked his son for some money to buy food, which made Odom angry. He said Odom slapped a $100 bill onto the counter, grabbed an ax and chopped the bill in half.

Herrin said Odom then threw the ax at his father, who ducked and put his hands up to protect himself.

A witness heard Odom's father screaming for help and saw him holding his wrist. The witness confronted Odom and persuaded him to hand over the ax.

Odom's father was taken to Lower Keys Medical Center, where he was being treated for serious injuries to his wrist.

Odom claimed that his father was bothering him about money and called him names after he refused to give him any, making Odom angry. Odom admitted to throwing the ax at his father, Herrin said.


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Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.