Man arrested for stabbing construction worker

A 29-year-old construction worker was arrested Friday night after stabbing another transient construction worker in the face at Sugarloaf Lodge.

Fidel Alberto Santay Tizol was charged with aggravated battery.

The injuries to the 37-year-old victim were not life-threatening.

Deputies Jeffrey Bennett and William Guerra responded to the Sugarloaf Lodge on Sugarloaf Key at 11:05 p.m. The victim was identified as Efrian Castillo. Deputy Guerra translated as all on scene were Spanish speakers. All were in the Florida Keys working a construction job.

Castillo had a cut to the right side of his face directly below his right eye. Castillo was intoxicated and stated he and his construction coworkers had been drinking in room at the lodge after working all day. Castillo stated he and Santay Tizol were discussing work, which turned into an argument about work.

Castillo stated Santay Tizol lunged and stabbed him in the face with a small knife.

Santay Tizol stated he had been drinking, but denied stabbing anyone.

Two female witnesses on an opposing balcony told Bennett they observed a Hispanic from the room where the stabbing occurred walk outside and throw a small object into the water.

Castillo was taken to Lower Keys Medical Center on Stock Island.

Santay Tizol was taken to jail.