Man arrested for brandishing machete at voters at polling location, police say

A Florida man is under arrest, accused of brandishing a machete at two voters who were in line at polling place in Neptune Beach. (Courtesy: Neptune Beach Police)

NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. – A Florida man is under arrest, accused of brandishing a machete at two voters who were in line at polling place in Neptune Beach.

Neptune Beach is just east of Jacksonville.

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Neptune Beach Police Chief Michael J. Key said officers responded to call of a person armed with a machete at the Beaches branch library which serves as an early voting site on Tuesday.

Officers say they found eight young males, seven juveniles and one adult male in the parking lot.

“The group was there for no other reason but for ill intentions to cause a disturbance,” Key said.

Investigators say the group was there to protest and antagonize the opposing political side.

During the confrontation, police say Caleb James Williams, 18 of Neptune Beach, brandished the machete in an aggressive, threatening posture over his head.

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A Florida man is under arrest, accused of brandishing a machete at two voters who were in line at polling place in Neptune Beach. (Courtesy: Neptune Beach Police)

Police said Williams brandished the machete at two female victims who are 71 and 54 years of age.

“Voting in our country is one of the most sacred and protected rights we have, " Key said. “Ensuring everyone’s right to vote is crucial and it will not be impeded upon in Neptune Beach or Duval County.”

Police said the woman were in fear and had called police who responded less than a minute later.

Man arrested for brandishing machete at voters at polling location, police say (Courtesy: Neptune Beach Police)

“I am extremely proud of my agency for swiftly and effectively handling this incident in order to continue keeping this voting site a safe one for voters,” Key said.

Williams was arrested for aggravated assault on a person 65 years of age or older and improper exhibition of a firearm or dangerous weapon.


About the Author
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Veronica Crespo writes for Local10.com and also oversees the Español section of the website. Born and raised in Miami, she graduated from the University of Miami, where she studied broadcast journalism and Spanish.

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