Suspect in stabbing death still at large

Saturday, July 11, 2009

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Deputies believe Nicky Tolzmann killed 59-year-old Gene Hockey. Watch the report Watch Video

POLK COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- The Polk County Sheriff's Office is searching for a man who they say stabbed his girlfriend's father to death during a domestic argument.

The sheriff's office said 28-year-old Nicky Scott Tolzmann and his live-in girlfriend, 23-year-old Leah Hockey, returned to their Lakeland home after a night of drinking at about 5:30 a.m. Friday and started arguing.

Deputies say Hockey's father, 59-year-old Gene Hockey, tried to intervene in the fight.

That's when Tolzmann killed him, deputies said.

According to reports, Tolzmann tied Leah Hockey up using electrical cords. He then gathered up some belongings and his two pit bulls, put them in Hockey's Honda and fled.

Tolzmann was last seen in Hockey's1993 beige Honda Accord, with Florida tag number X89-4TM. The two pit bulls may be with him.

Shortly afterward, Hockey was able to free herself and call authorities.

Hockey, and her 5-year-old daughter, who was home during the stabbing, were not hurt.

Tolzmann has an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation (Possession of Cannabis) out of Georgia. Deputies said Tolzmann may be armed and should be considered dangerous.

Anyone with information about Tolzmann should call the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 800-226-0344, or call 911.