A Long Beach man is accused of attempting to kill his former co-worker with an ax.

Police say 34-year-old Anthony Calvo attacked the victim when he was walking home from an overnight shift at a Long Beach taxi company in February. They say Calvo ran up behind the victim on Arizona Avenue, and then hit him in the face, arm and head with the weapon.

"This coward came from behind the victim and began to smash him in the head and eventually the arm and the back," said Anne Donnelly, the Nassau County District Attorney.

According to Donnelly, the victim was able to drag himself home after the attack, and bang on the door for help. Calvo has been indicted on attempted murder charges and assault charges. The Nassau County District Attorney's Office says the attack stemmed from a workplace dispute. According to the Donnelly, the suspect was allegedly sending the victim disturbing text messages about how he wanted to hurt him back in 2022.

The Nassau County District Attorney's office says Calvo had not worked for Beech Street Taxi since 2022.

"Obviously he harbored a lot of bad feelings for the victim for the last couple of years and when he saw the victim, I guess they bubbled to the surface," said Donnelly.

The victim, who friends identified to News 12 as Brian, worked for Beech Street Taxi for 15 years, and was beloved by the community.

"He is a guy with a heart of gold," said Tom Provine, the manager and bartender at Borrelli's Tavern in Long Beach.

The victim suffered life-threatening injuries and is still in the hospital.

Many, like Borrelli's Tavern, have rallied around him, and his family, collecting donations for medical expenses. Those who knew Brian say they are relieved his accused attacker is off the streets.

"Just to do that to someone else it's just beyond my comprehension. The West End and The East End of Long Beach are safer because of it," said Provine.

Calvo was indicted Thursday on attempted murder in the second degree and assault in the first degree. He is due back in court on June 2. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison.