Police say a machete-wielding man slashed a Fort Pierce officer during a confrontation at Walmart on Saturday.
Officers with the Fort Pierce Police Department (FPPD) say they responded to Walmart on the 5100 block of Okeechobee Road around 9:15 p.m. for reports of a man with a machete.
When law enforcement attempted to approach the man, later identified as 33-year-old LF, he reportedly began swinging the weapon violently. After a brief struggle, they were able to apprehend F — but not without injury.
FPPD says one officer sustained a laceration to the arm, which required treatment at the hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery.
F was subsequently booked on counts of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, per police.
“It’s a little terrifying,” said shopper KS. “Whenever you do come into your local store, you want to know that you’re safe.”
CBS12 News Reporter Antoinette DelBel asked S if she does feel safe at the store.
S said, “Enough to know that I can take care of myself, or that I look for my exits and I know where to go in case of an active shooter or situation.”
Shopper IC also feels safe.
“I feel good coming to here,” C said. “All the time we coming here for five year.”
A former New York City officer, who did not want to be identified, however said he does not feel safe.
“Hell no,” he said. “In my opinion, and I did over 24 years [of] public service, there’s no respect anymore.”
The investigation remains active, and detectives say they are still piecing together the circumstances that led to the encounter.
Saturday’s violent attack comes just five days after another assault on two police officers at the same Walmart.
According to the arrest report, on Monday, Aug. 25, CR was harassing shoppers as they were walking into the store. When police told him to leave, the suspect reportedly punched one of the officers in the shoulder and threw an iPad at another.
Police said the suspect then ran into the store’s pharmacy but was quickly caught and handcuffed.
“I just think that the local police are doing everything they can, and I support them,” S said.
R is being held at the St. Lucie County Jail on a $20,000 bond. He’s facing two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest.
Meantime, F, the other suspect with the machete, was taken to the hospital to be treated and evaluated.
Police urge anyone with information to contact the FPPD.
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Source: cbs12
