Dania Beach Lawyer Arrested for Assault in Parking Lot

News Summary

Anthony Elia Tabasso, a 62-year-old attorney from Dania Beach, was arrested for assault and battery after a violent incident in a Dollar Tree parking lot. The confrontation escalated from aggressive driving to physical violence, leaving bystanders shocked. Tabasso faces serious charges including aggravated battery. This incident raises concerns about crime in Broward County, compounded by recent gang activity and arrests in the area. As Tabasso remains in custody, the case’s implications on public trust in legal professionals are being widely discussed.

Shocking Arrest of Dania Beach Attorney for Assault and Battery

In a dramatic turn of events, a 62-year-old attorney from Dania Beach, Anthony Elia Tabasso, was apprehended by law enforcement on March 14, 2025, after an alleged violent encounter in a parking lot that left witnesses stunned. The incident took place at the Dollar Tree parking lot located at 312 E. Dania Beach Blvd., marking a bizarre chapter in the life of a man who has served as a licensed lawyer in Florida since 2002.

Timeline of Events

According to reports, the chaos began when Tabasso exhibited aggressive driving as he nearly struck a man and his girlfriend while attempting to park his vehicle. This close call escalated quickly into a heated verbal exchange between the attorney and the couple. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the argument quickly deteriorated into a physical confrontation after Tabasso exited his car.

In a shocking act, Tabasso allegedly retrieved a stick from his truck and initiated a chase after the man, striking him multiple times. The victim, in a desperate effort to protect himself, retaliated by striking Tabasso on the head with a glass bottle in an attempt to defend himself. This unforeseen twist added a layer of complexity to an already unusual situation.

Charges Laid Against the Attorney

Tabasso now faces serious charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The severity of these charges reflects the nature of the confrontation that unfolded in broad daylight, alarmingly close to innocent bystanders. With a respected career in law, this incident has raised eyebrows within the legal community, leaving many to wonder how a trained professional could resort to such violence.

Evidence and Witness Accounts

The investigation into the incident has garnered critical evidence, including eyewitness accounts from store employees and surveillance footage capturing the altercation. These recordings are expected to play a significant role in the forthcoming legal proceedings against the attorney, which are likely to draw media attention.

Broward County on Edge Amid Crime Wave

The arrest of Tabasso coincides with increasing concerns over crime in Broward County. Law enforcement recently announced the arrests of eight individuals affiliated with a notorious gang known for its significant criminal activities in the area. Dubbed the Dania Hot Boyz or Grand Mafia, this group has been linked to multiple murders and a series of violent incidents dating back to 2021.

In a sweeping operation that commenced in January 2024 after a deadly shooting at a Best Buy in Plantation, members of the gang faced a staggering total of 33 counts, including murder, attempted murder, and charges of racketeering. Among those apprehended is Sigmund Brown, purportedly the leader of the gang, along with other members linked to heinous crimes.

The Broader Context of Crime in Broward County

The recent crackdown on gang activity in Broward County underscores the escalating violence in the region. Eight homicides and over a dozen attempted homicides have been resolved due to the meticulous work of local law enforcement. This gang’s history serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing struggles against criminal activities that continue to plague the community.

As the community grapples with these recent developments, the arrest of a practicing lawyer for violent misconduct adds yet another troubling chapter to Broward County’s narrative of crime and legal conundrums. With Anthony Elia Tabasso currently held at the BSO Main Jail on a $1,500 bond, residents and colleagues alike are left to ponder what this means for public trust in the legal profession.