Turned Down Sexual Advances Leads To Double Stabbing

Palm Coast, FL - An encounter between a couple and a Palm Coast man turned violent when the man stabbed the couple after being confronted about offering to pay the woman for sexual favors. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) says deputies were called to Smiles Nite Club on Palm Harbor Village Way just before 1:30 Monday (May 24) morning after receiving a call about the stabbing. When deputies arrived, multiple witnesses said 55-year-old Rene Laso stabbed two people with a knife that was laying on the ground. Deputies also found Laso, who admitted to using the knife witnesses had pointed out. According to a narrative from the female victim, she had been harassed by Laso over the past few months and stated that he offered her $5,000 to perform sexual favors, which she declined. The victim further stated that she was at Smiles with her boyfriend when Laso showed up. Her boyfriend then decided to confront him about his proposition. During the confrontation, Laso allegedly referred to the woman as a "$100 whore," which led to a more intense argument, per a report from deputies. During the argument, the female victim tried to stand between the two men. At that point, Laso reportedly stated "I have a knife and will cut you" before stabbing both the man and the woman. Following the stabbing, the woman was able to flee into the bar and ask for help. Laso tried to leave the parking lot on his motorcycle, but was stopped when bystanders kicked over his bike. Both victims were treated on the scene before they were transported to AdventHealth Palm Coast. According to Laso’s account of the incident, all three of them were inside the bar when the victim’s boyfriend asked him why he propositioned the woman for sex. Laso then claimed that they went outside to talk about the situation when the victim supposedly slapped him in the face. Laso told deputies that being slapped upset him, so he called the woman a "$100 hooker" before he was attacked and chased. When asked about the knife, Laso told deputies that he "didn’t try stabbing them" and that he was chased through the parking lot after his motorcycle was kicked over. The investigation by deputies later determined that the altercation did in fact happen outside of the bar, where Laso stabbed the woman who retreated into the bar to ask for help. An altercation also occurred between Laso and the boyfriend, which led to the boyfriend receiving multiple stab wounds, including one in the back. "This case could easily have turned into something much more tragic," Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly said. "Alcohol, arguing and weapons are a recipe for disaster." Sheriff Staly added that the victims’ injuries did not appear to be life-threatening. "I understand all of this started because Laso was looking for a date, well, now he has one, with the judge," added Staly. Laso was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and is currently held without bond.