A family dispute over a cigarette turned violent in Rio Claro, with a 43-year-old man now in stable condition at the Sangre Grande General Hospital. The man suffered a brutal cutlass attack at the hands of his 23-year-old nephew, Tyler Chotack. The incident happened Monday afternoon when the victim declined Chotack’s request for a cigarette. In response, Chotack left and returned, armed with a cutlass. He allegedly attacked the victim, causing serious injuries to both hands. After retreating to safety inside his home, the victim was assisted by his brother before seeking medical attention at the Rio Claro Health Centre. The police, including Ag Cpl Billy, PC Parris, and PC Goordeen, responded to the report, interviewed the victim, and apprehended Chotack at the scene.