Frederick Torres: Fired Universal Orlando Caricature Artist Stabs Ex-Colleague With Scissors


Frederick Torres, a 33-year-old man who worked as a contract caricature artist with Universal Orlando has been arrested after he allegedly stabbed one of his co-workers on the head using a pair of scissors. According to the Orlando Sentinel, Frederick Torres took the violent step after he found out that he had been fired by his boss. Reports also say that Torres had threatened his boss on Friday, and told him that he would not hesitate to kill one of his co-workers if he was actually fired. Torres was eventually fired, but it seemed no one thought he would actually execute his threat.

The unfortunate victim of Frederick Torres’ brutal attack is 42-year-old Glenn Ferguson, Torres’ former co-worker and a senior caricature artist at the park. Glenn is fighting for his life at a local hospital.

According to NBC News, Torres made his threat clear upon realizing he could be fired by making a bold statement to his boss.

“I’m going to kill your number one artist.”

The incident happened on Friday morning at the “Toon Lagoon” section of the park. Several eyewitnesses saw Torres chasing Ferguson. A security officer stationed at the park caught up with the two men and tried talking to both of them. However, Torres, who seemed to have already made up his mind to attack Ferguson allegedly lunged forward and stabbed Ferguson in the left temple using a pair of scissors he was carrying in his pocket. Several others who also witnessed the incident said Torres first lunged at Ferguson, causing him to fall to the ground. He then kicked and punched the man in the face before finally taking the scissors out and stabbing him on the left temple. Several others who were in the park allegedly caught the incident on video using their mobile phones.

Frederick Torres
Frederick Torres: The man who allegedly stabbed Ferguson. [Image via Orlando Police Department]
As Ferguson lay on the ground, several park security officers rushed in to help and separated the two. A pair of green scissors was also found next to the location where the attack took place. The victim was reportedly rushed into emergency surgery with multiple stab wounds. According to the police, one of the wounds had resulted in a severed artery in his neck. Another wound had caused brain damage. Ferguson’s condition remains critical and the doctors treating him said he had a 50 percent chance of surviving the ordeal.

Glenn Ferguson - stabbed by Frederick Torres
Glenn Ferguson: The caricature artist who was attacked. [Image via GoFundMe]
According to police officers investigating the incident, Torres was fired from his workplace a day earlier and he was miffed at his boss for being let go. When Ferguson came to work the next day, he reportedly saw Torres. Ferguson allegedly reported Torres’ arrival to his boss, who in turn asked Torres to leave. An already angry Torres then threatened to “slit Glenn’s throat,” and “kill [Universal Orlando’s] number one artist.” The boss quickly called for park security officers, who responded to the Toon Lagoon area where the incident took place.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Universal Orlando confirmed that both men involved in the incident were contract workers and that they were not employees of the park. Ferguson is an award-winning artist who has been working as a caricature artist in Orlando for over 20 years.

Following news of the attack, there has been an outpouring of support for Glenn. On Facebook, a friend has described Glenn as one of the most generous people he has ever met.

“I’m not exaggerating when I say that Glenn might be one of the most generous people I’ve encountered in the world of art. He’s shared time and knowledge with countless colleagues and he’s inspired hundreds if not thousands of artists in the international caricature community.” the post added.

A GoFundMe campaign has also been initiated with the proceedings going to Ferguson’s wife to help her cover his medical bills. They have already managed to raise $36,500 in just two days.

Meanwhile, Frederick Torres is in police custody and is being held at the Orange County jail without bail. He is facing charges of attempted first-degree murder.

[Image via Orlando Police Department]

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