PORT ANGELES — A Port Angeles man was arrested Monday for allegedly striking a man with a 3-foot-long machete, cutting the victim’s hands as he tried to defend himself, police said.
Tim Williams, 39, was arrested without further incident at about 1:30 p.m. Monday near the Port Angeles Library.
The victim was listed in satisfactory condition at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Port Angeles Deputy Chief of Police Jason Viada said the assault occurred shortly after midnight at the City Pier parking lot.
“There was a disagreement earlier in the day around 4 p.m. (Sunday) between these same two people,” Viada said in a Monday interview.
“My understanding is that the victim was at the parking lot. The suspect returned and re-initiated the conflict.”
Williams swung the rusty machete at the victim’s head several times, police said.
The victim used his hands to deflect “five to 10” strikes, resulting in lacerations and broken bones on his hands, Viada said.
Further investigation revealed Williams had threatened to kill the victim, police said.
A witness yelled at Williams during the attack, and Williams then left the area in a vehicle.
Police will examine surveillance footage of the City Pier parking lot as part of their investigation, Viada said.
“Of course, you’re always hoping that it’s aimed so that the crime is committed center stage, but that may or may not be the case when we are actually able to view the footage,” he said.
The victim was treated by Port Angeles Fire Department medics at City Pier.
He was then transported to Olympic Medical Center and later to Harborview.
Police Officer Jackson VanDusen located Williams at about 1:30 p.m. Monday near the corner of Lauridsen Boulevard and Peabody Street, Viada said.
Officers Swift Sanchez and VanDusen and Corporal Brian Stamon apprehended the suspect. The machete was not immediately recovered.
“Officer Van VanDusen knew where to look and found the guy, and the arrest was made without incident,” Viada said in a telephone interview.
“I think those officers really deserve a positive word for the work that they did today.”
The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office arrested another Port Angles man, Leo Blanton, 38, for an alleged assault with a machete last October.
Viada said those cases were unrelated.
“I also am aware that social media is already talking about a guy that has been seen frequently walking around town with a machete,” Viada said in a telephone interview.
“I also at this time have no connection between this incident and the person that I think social media is talking about.”
Williams is expected to make his first appearance in Clallam County Superior Court today.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
