ST. THOMAS — A machete-wielding man broke through another man’s vehicle window and started swiping a machete at him, causing bodily harm, V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Glen Dratte announced Monday. The victim, stunned and frightened by the attack, abandoned his vehicle and took off running, only to have the suspect chase him, police said.
According to Mr. Dratte, the incident occurred on Monday at approximately 7:16 a.m.. He said patrol units from the Richard N. Callwood Command were dispatched to Strand Gade in the area of House of Pastries & Deli in reference to a victim being chased by an individual.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victim, who said that he was driving in the area of Weekes & Weekes Bakery when he saw the attacker, Jefferson Titus. He said Mr. Titus, 44, who was also driving, started following him until they both stopped in the parking lot of House of Pastries & Deli. The victim then said that Mr. Titus blocked in his vehicle, approached the driver’s side front door and broke the window with a machete.
The victim also reported that Mr. Titus began assaulting him with the machete through the broken window, at which point he sustained a laceration to his left hand. Frightened, he exited his vehicle through the passenger’s side front door and starting running, only to notice Mr. Titus chasing after him with the machete. The victim, however, managed to escape, police said.
Later in the day at about 10:55 a.m., Mr. Titus was arrested and charged with third-degree assault, destruction of property and disturbance of the peace.
Unable to post bail of $25,000, he was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending his advisement hearing.
Tags: Jefferson Titus