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Machete Slashing Victims Recall Horrifying Attack

NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE (CBS4) - The victims of a brutal machete attack say they thought they were going to die Friday afternoon.  Both Angela Heath and John Moore are home from the hospital recovering from numerous injuries after the vicious attack in Northwest Dade near the intersection of 181st Street and 52nd Avenue.

Police shot the alleged attacker a few blocks away near 181st and 54th Avenue.

Angela Heath, 53, said she feared her ex would hurt her, so she and her friend John Moore went to the police department Friday morning to ask for protection.

When they got back to Angela's house, they say her ex-boyfriend was waiting.

"He had a machete swinging at me," said John Moore, "I cannot fight back he kept swinging at me like he was crazy like a madman."

As he lay bleeding on the ground, he said the attacker turned toward Angela.

"There wasn't nothing I could do there wasn't nothing I could do, I was all cut up," Moore explained.

Angela Heath added, "I was afraid for both our lives.  He was trying to kill both of us."

Angela Heath identified the attacker as her ex-boyfriend Jose Almonte, but police have not confirmed his name.

When police came to the scene they recognized the alleged attacker by a description. That officer saw the man with his hands in his pants.

Police said the attacker lunged at the officer when she arrived. She shot and killed him.

"I do hate that he got killed," said Moore, "but he was trying to kill me."

Heath and Moore face additional surgeries.  They are talking to a lawyer about pursing legal action because they feel the police department should not have allowed Heath to go home without a police escort Friday.

Miami Dade Police Detective Javier Baez said Friday that the police department is investigating all aspects of the case and all allegations.

Moore and Heath say they are angry and frustrated, but thankful.

"I could've been dead," said Heath.

Moore added, "I'm just glad I'm still living."

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