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Holiday man, 46, accused of stabbing ex-girlfriend

Deputies say he lunged at her again when paramedics carried her out on a stretcher.

By JAMAL THALJI
Published August 25, 2005

NEW PORT RICHEY - Donna Johnston called for help as soon as she saw ex-boyfriend Nick Altamuro Jr. walk up to her house Wednesday afternoon.

"She knew, with the past history," said Pasco sheriff's spokesman Doug Tobin, "that she better call 911."

Minutes later, sheriff's deputies found Johnston stabbed multiple times, and they charged Altamuro with trying to kill her.

But when paramedics carried the injured 48-year-old on a stretcher past Altamuro, authorities say, he tried to go after his ex-girlfriend again.

"They had to detain him again," Tobin said. "He lunged toward her as they took her to the helicopter."

Johnston was flown to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa. She was in fair condition late Wednesday.

"She was stable when she was transported," Tobin said. "But she did have very serious injuries."

Especially the two stab wounds in her back, near her right lung. She was stabbed several times in the front and back torso, according to the Sheriff's Office, with a steak knife wielded by Altamuro in the kitchen. He had a key to her home, Tobin said.

Deputies were already searching for the 46-year-old Holiday man on two arrest warrants for violating protective orders.

The 911 call was made at 4:33 p.m. from her home at 4103 Cardoon Drive. It took deputies 10 to 12 minutes to respond, and Altamuro surrendered, walking out of the house without incident. Pasco Fire Rescue said she was flown out at 4:42 p.m.

Altamuro, 1836 Hacienda Way, was charged with attempted murder and two counts of violating a domestic violence injunction. He is being held without bail in the county jail.

[Last modified August 25, 2005, 01:23:19]