FORT PIERCE, Fla. – A Florida man was arrested after swinging a machete at a Fort Pierce police officer inside a Walmart along Okeechobee Boulevard, officials said.
The Fort Pierce Police Department said Lawrence Fountain, 33, was identified as the suspect. He was later arrested on multiple charges, including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, disturbing the peace and petit theft.
Officers said they responded to the Walmart, which is located at 5100 Okeechobee Boulevard in Fort Pierce, after 9 p.m. on August 30. They said they received multiple 911 calls reporting a man walking through the store with a machete.
Numerous people were seen leaving the store in a panic as officers arrived at the scene, investigators said. Witnesses were seen on bodycam footage identifying the suspect who was found at the store’s exit.
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The police department learned after the incident that employees and customers were fearful after seeing the suspect openly carrying a machete in the store, which led to confusion and panic as customers rushed to evacuate.
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The suspect also had minor injuries after the incident. Authorities said he received medical attention and was cleared to be taken to the St. Lucie County Jail.
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The Source: The information in this story was released by the Fort Pierce Police Department.
