Ferguson, Kentucky — A Kentucky man is facing serious criminal charges after police say he violently attacked a couple with a baseball bat because they disconnected Wi-Fi service he had allegedly been using from their apartment.
The disturbing incident unfolded early Sunday morning and left two victims injured, including a woman who deputies reportedly found bleeding outside the home.
Alleged Attack Began Over Internet Dispute
Authorities identified the suspect as Jonathan Gross, 44, who was arrested Sunday and charged with:
- Two counts of attempted murder
- Two counts of third-degree terroristic threatening
- Second-degree disorderly conduct
- Alcohol intoxication in a public place
According to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a residence on Waddle Street in Ferguson around 5:43 a.m. after receiving reports of a violent assault.
The caller told emergency dispatchers that Gross had attacked him and his girlfriend with a baseball bat. The man reportedly managed to escape the assault long enough to contact authorities for help.
Woman Found Bleeding Outside Home
When deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered a woman sitting outside the residence suffering from serious injuries.
Authorities said she was “bleeding from her head” and confirmed that she “had been struck with a baseball bat” by Gross.
The woman reportedly told deputies that Gross was still hiding inside the residence in a bedroom after the attack.
Deputies attempted several times to get Gross to surrender peacefully, but police say he refused to come out.
Authorities eventually made forced entry into the room and took him into custody.
Suspect Allegedly Threatened Victims Before Attack
Court documents obtained by Lexington ABC affiliate WDKY revealed additional details about what allegedly triggered the violent confrontation.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Gross became angry after the victims turned off their Wi-Fi connection, which he had reportedly been using.
Investigators say Gross went downstairs to confront the couple and allegedly threatened to kill them if the internet service was not restored.
The report states he later returned and allegedly attacked both victims with a baseball bat.
The violent outburst has shocked many in the community, especially because the argument reportedly stemmed from internet access.
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Suspect Held on $1 Million Bond
Following his arrest, Gross was booked into the Pulaski County Detention Center, where he remains held on a $1 million cash bond, according to jail records.
He appeared in court Monday for his arraignment and is scheduled to return for a preliminary hearing on May 13.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the victims’ conditions, but the case remains under investigation.
Violent Incident Raises Concerns
The shocking nature of the alleged attack has sparked reactions online, with many stunned that a dispute over Wi-Fi could allegedly escalate into such extreme violence.
Law enforcement officials have not indicated whether alcohol played a role beyond the public intoxication charge already filed against Gross.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case serves as another example of how seemingly minor conflicts can rapidly spiral into dangerous situations.
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