Police: Victim Thought Knife Attack by Auto Shop Owner Was Horseplay Until He Saw Blood

by Ryan Yousefi May 5, 2026

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Andrew Rooplal {BSO}

A Margate business owner is facing an aggravated battery charge after police said a victim initially thought an altercation was horseplay before realizing he had been cut with a knife.

According to a Margate Police Department arrest report, Andrew Rooplal, 37, was arrested April 30 on one count of aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability.

According to the report, officers responded to the area of 2210 Mears Parkway after receiving a report of an aggravated battery.

The victim told police he was outside his workplace when he saw Rooplal, whom he recognized as the owner of a nearby auto repair store but did not know by name. The victim said he approached Rooplal to greet him as usual, but Rooplal pushed him away and said, “You know I be helping you, right?”

The victim told police he was confused and initially believed the encounter was a joke, but Rooplal ran back toward him, grabbed him, pulled out a knife, and held it near his neck.

Police said the victim reported that Rooplal then grabbed his left arm, cut him with the knife, and said, “Don’t ever try me again,” before fleeing in a vehicle.

The victim told officers he did not immediately call police because he did not initially realize he had been cut, according to the affidavit. An officer reported observing and photographing a bloody laceration on the victim’s left arm.

During the investigation, the victim searched Facebook and showed officers a profile for “Andrew Rooplal,” telling police he believed the person pictured was the man involved, the affidavit states.

Officers later spoke with employees at A&R Auto, who identified the store owner as Rooplal. Police said a records search matched Rooplal to the suspect description and showed a Margate home address.

Police later responded to Rooplal’s residence and took him into custody.

Records show Rooplal told police the altercation was mutual and said the victim was “always bothering him,” according to the affidavit. He denied cutting or injuring the victim and said he only pushed him away after the victim tried to hug him.

After being told the victim had a cut on his left arm, Rooplal changed his account and said the victim had tried to grab his knife, according to police.

Rooplal was arrested and transported to Broward County Main Jail.

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Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.