Man arrested for chasing another man with machete in Pueblo

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) – The Pueblo Police Department (PPD) arrested a man for allegedly chasing another man with a machete.

On Wednesday, June 26, Plymouth police responded to the 3400 block of O'Neal Avenue. Upon arrival, officers learned that the suspect, Josiah Velasquez, had called the victim the night before and told him he needed a place to stay.

According to police, the next day, the victim told Velasquez he had to leave. Velasquez then allegedly brandished a large knife (or machete) at the victim and chased him out of the house and into the street, all the while threatening the victim.

The victim ran to the O'Neal and Gladiola neighborhood where she was able to call police.

According to the PPD, Velasquez then barricaded himself in the victim's home and began breaking property and threatening police with large knives.

SWAT and negotiators responded to the scene and after a lengthy standoff, PPD was able to obtain a search warrant for the home and an arrest warrant for Josiah Velasquez.

Upon entering the house, SWAT found Velasquez passed out and took him into custody.

After a medical examination, Josiah was booked into the Pueblo County Detention Center on charges of criminal threatening, violation of a restraining order and criminal mischief.