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Fort Pierce, FL - A Florida man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly stealing a machete from a Walmart in Fort Pierce and attacking police officers during his arrest.
The Fort Pierce Police Department responded to the store on August 30th around 9 p.m. after receiving several 911 calls reporting a man carrying a machete inside Walmart.
Officers arriving at the scene reported shoppers fleeing as the situation unfolded.
The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Lawrence Fountain of Vero Beach, was pushing a shopping cart when officers approached.
Fountain allegedly reached into the cart, removed the machete, discarded its packaging, and began swinging the weapon at officers.
One officer avoided the strike, while another received a laceration to the forearm.
Police quickly subdued Fountain, who continued to resist before being handcuffed.
The injured officer was treated and released from a local hospital.
Fountain also received medical care for minor arm lacerations sustained during the struggle before being transferred to the St. Lucie County Jail.
Investigators determined Fountain had gone to Walmart intending to purchase the machete.
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Since he did not pay for it and attempted to leave, the weapon was classified as stolen.
Fountain faces three felony charges: aggravated battery on an officer, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and resisting an officer with violence.
He also faces two misdemeanor charges: petit theft and disturbing the peace.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, noting the risks associated with weapons inside retail environments.