Man Faces Attempted Murder Charges After Rampaging with Stolen Tractor

Key West, FL - A Key West groundskeeper is accused of stealing a tractor, driving it to a college, and trying to kill two people, leading to a police shooting.

Ethan Robert Layne, 22, initially faced one count of attempted murder. However, authorities have now added two more attempted murder charges in connection with the events that unfolded at the College of the Florida Keys.

Layne, employed as a groundskeeper at a nearby golf course, allegedly stole a tractor and drove it to the college with the intention of harming two individuals.

"He drove the tractor through the lobby of the Lagoon Landings dormitory, then used the bucket attachment to destroy the building's overhead plumbing," a press release from the Key West Police Department detailed. "Layne then rammed a truck, causing it to overturn. Another vehicle, occupied by a father and his four-year-old daughter, was also targeted. The victim witnessed the tractor veer towards his car, raise its front end, and smash down on it. The tractor briefly backed away, allowing the father to escape with his child."

A third vehicle was also targeted by Layne, but the driver managed to evade him.

Layne then fled the college campus and continued driving the tractor on College Road.

Multiple 911 calls alerted authorities to the unfolding chaos.

"The first officer to arrive encountered the tractor on College Road. Layne then aimed the tractor directly at the police car and rammed it repeatedly with the bucket attachment," the press release continued. "The officer, fearing for his life, discharged several rounds at the attacker."

Layne was apprehended shortly after.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the officer-involved shooting, while the Key West Police Department focuses on Layne's actions.

In addition to the three attempted murder charges, Layne faces charges of aggravated assault, grand theft auto, burglary, and criminal mischief.

Preliminary damage estimates run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Layne remains jailed without bond at the Monroe County Detention Center.