Attempted stabbing reported on Siesta Key

A 24-year-old Sarasota man has been charged with aggravated assault after reportedly trying to stab another man shortly after 2 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, outside the 7-11 store at 5232 Ocean Blvd.

Larry D. Burstein, of 1367 Daryl Drive, Sarasota, allegedly was arguing with a woman when two men crossed the street to the store. Burstein then reportedly walked toward one of the men, Joseph M. Winkle, 26, of Bradenton, brandished a knife and told Winkle, “I’m going to kill you,” according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

A witness said Burstein was standing about three feet away from Winkle, with his arm outstretched. When Winkle backed up, the witness reported, the confrontation ended.

However, according to the Sheriff’s Office, as Winkle continued on to the store, another man walked up to him, tried to start a fight with him and pushed him to the ground. At that point, Burstein allegedly took his knife back out and swung it at Winkle, trying to stab him. Winkle told Deputy Theresa Norton he was in fear for his life, though he was not harmed. He told Norton he wanted to press charges.

The report added that Burstein had a pocketknife attached to his car keys, which he kept in his back pocket. Burstein told the deputy that numerous men had surrounded him, so he had pointed the knife at them and told them, “If you come at me, I’m going to defend myself.”

Burstein was arrested and placed in jail without bond.