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Highlands Today

Woman Clings To Life After Vicious Attack

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By Dan  Fearson | Highlands Today

Published: February 16, 2008

AVON PARK — The 27-year-old Avon Park woman who was allegedly attacked by Paul Dian Hamilton on Sunday remained in critical condition at a local trauma center as of Friday evening.

According to Avon Park Police Department interim Police Chief Michael Rowan, the woman was set to undergo surgery on Friday in an attempt to repair nerve damage she suffered to her hands.

Rowan said that doctors were unsure as to whether the victim will ever have full use of her hands following the attack. Rowan also said the woman suffered severe cuts to her head and chest.

Law enforcement officials are searching for the weapon that Hamilton allegedly used during the attack, which Rowan described as a "machete-type instrument."

Investigators have been unable to talk to the victim because of the severity of her injuries, which have forced her to undergo multiple surgeries.

Hamilton allegedly attacked the victim in a driveway near the 400 block of West Hall Street, in Avon Park. Investigators believe that the victim and Hamilton may have been in a relationship and resided with each other.

Hamilton was arrested in Tampa on Wednesday night and reportedly had in his possession a carry-on bag containing clothing, identification, a passport and money, leading investigators to he was planning to flee the country.

Hamilton is currently being held in the Hillsborough County Jail, awaiting transport back to Highlands County on an attempted second-degree murder charge.

Trailer Accident Victim Dies From Injuries

SEBRING — A spokeswoman for Tampa General Hospital confirmed Friday that Michael B. McCraken, 44, of Sebring, died as a result of injuries he sustained after failing off a moving trailer on Tuesday, in the Tanglewood subdivision.

The spokeswoman could not confirm the cause or time of death because of medical privacy issues.

Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Joshua Zahller said in a press release issued Wednesday that Richard E. McCollum, 37, was driving a 1997 Ford F-150 truck northbound on Indian Summer Trail, passing through the intersection of Rain Dance. The truck swerved to avoid a drainage gate, and McCraken, who was sitting on the edge of the trailer, lost his balance and fell. The back of his head struck the pavement.

The FHP is investigating the incident.

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