A dispute over an ashtray turned violent in Cooper City when a 42-year-old man broke into a townhome courtyard and fought the homeowner who was armed with a machete, authorities confirmed in an arrest report Thursday.
Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies said the confrontation happened just before 1:50 p.m. Tuesday after the victim noticed a man, identified as David Alejandro Guevara, standing in the enclosed patio area of his townhome and holding his ashtray.
They said the victim opened the door and demanded that Guevara return the ashtray and leave.
Deputies said the victim then walked back inside, but sensed Guevara following him. The homeowner armed himself with a machete and confronted Guevara.
According to the arrest report, Guevara, of Pembroke Pines, rushed the victim and tried to wrestle the machete away.
Deputies said the two struggled and fell to the ground. The victim was eventually able to carry Guevara outside the gated fence area, but the fight continued, and the victim suffered a serious cut to his face.
Deputies said Guevara fled the scene on foot. The victim was rushed to the hospital with severe injuries to his hand and calf and underwent emergency surgery, the report stated.
Guevara later told deputies he took the ashtray because it looked “nice” and admitted to grabbing the machete during the confrontation to avoid getting stabbed. He claimed the victim was “being dramatic” after being injured and that’s when he left, deputies wrote in the report.
Guevara was arrested and is facing charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, burglary with assault or battery and petty theft, jail records show.
Guevara defense lawyers stated that he was acting in self-defense, claiming the homeowner was armed and confrontational.
Prosecutors said Guevara has a violent criminal history, including prior arrests for fleeing and eluding law enforcement, DUI and dealing in stolen property.
A public defender has been appointed to represent him.
During a court hearing, the defense requested both a photo order and a mental health evaluation, which the judge granted.
