Man Threatens Woman With Machete, Flees

By Jessie Williams

A Westmoreland man who was seen chasing a woman with a machete last Sunday, was detained by authorities after attempting to flee.

 According to the report filed by Macon County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dylan Gann, a domestic situation was reported around 7 p.m. at the 9,000 block of Old Hwy 42 that involved a man wielding a machete. 

Macon County Sheriff Mark Gammons  and Lafayette Police Officers Jason Sells and Clint Hestand arrived at the scene to investigate and spoke with a witness that stated he saw a man,  identified as 37-year-old Mickey Lee Graves, walking down the road with a female subject.

The witness stated that the two were arguing when he saw Graves drop a bag he was carrying, pull out a machete and walk toward the woman.

The woman ran into the witness’ yard, and Mr. Graves followed. 

The report further states that the witness then revealed a firearm to protect himself, and when Mr. Graves saw the gun, he threw the machete into the woods and attempted to flee the scene.

Mr. Graves was detained by officers and the machete was recovered. He is charged with aggravated assault. 

During their search for the suspect, however, one law enforcement officer incurred a non-life threatening injury. 

The injured officer was transported to Macon Community Hospital and later to another facility for further evaluation.

Graves’ bond was set at $5,000, and he is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court on June 19, 2019.