MIAMI — A 20-year-old man has been accused of striking his landlord with an axe last week in Miami, according to police.

Officers with the Miami Police Department said they responded to a home near the 800 block of Northwest 24th Court after reports of an aggravated battery involving an axe on Nov. 26.

Police identified the suspect as Jose Lazaro Trinidad Jr.

Authorities said the landlord, who had just returned home from a five-day hospital stay, tried to enter his locked bedroom and discovered Trinidad inside.

An argument ensued, and the landlord said Trinidad armed himself with a small chrome-colored axe, according to the report.

As the landlord stepped outside, facing away from Trinidad, police said the suspect struck him on the back of the head, causing a minor laceration.

The victim refused medical transport and indicated he would treat the wound himself, the report stated.

Trinidad remained at the scene and called 911. He was then detained by officers, who recovered the axe, police said.

Other tenants told police that Trinidad had been living in a backyard shed, not in the main house, and had no permission to enter the landlord’s room, according to the report.

Trinidad told police he acted in self-defense after the landlord allegedly attempted to strike him, the report stated. Police said the landlord positively identified both Trinidad and the weapon allegedly used in the attack.

Jail records show Trinidad is facing one count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He was not listed as an inmate on the Miami-Dade jail website as of Monday morning.

A motive for the attack is unclear at this time.

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