18-year-old raises machete to ‘antagonize’ voters at Neptune Beach polling place: police

NEPTUNE BEACH, Florida – An 18-year-old now faces aggravated assault charges after Neptune Beach police say he “swung a machete” to intimidate voters

Police Chief Michael Key said that on Tuesday around 4 p.m., a group of seven juveniles and one adult arrived at the Jacksonville Public Library branch with “bad intentions of causing a disturbance.”

He said the group drove up, parked their vehicle and began antagonizing early voters to protest the opposing political group, after which the situation escalated into a verbal disturbance.

According to Key, Caleb Williams aggressively brandished a machete at two women, aged 71 and 54.

The women called the police, but no one was hurt.

The disruption caused traffic and parking problems, but the polling station was not evacuated.

“Ensuring everyone’s right to vote is critical and will not be hindered in Neptune Beach or Duval County. This goes far beyond expressing free speech and saying that your article is First Amendment protected by law, but that is rejected at this time.” you raise the machete above your head in a threatening manner,” Key said.

Key said the department will do everything it can to ensure polling places remain safe.

“Prior to this incident, this was a safe place to vote and will continue to be a safe place to vote. We are committed to this and always try to consider plans to increase security,” he said.

No one else in the group has been arrested or charged, but Key said because the investigation is ongoing, future charges are possible if necessary.

Williams was charged with aggravated assault on a person 65 years of age or older and improper display of a firearm or dangerous weapon.