Man arrested for chasing another man with a machete in Pueblo

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

On Wednesday, June 26, PPD responded to the 3400 block of O’Neal Avenue. Upon arrival, officers learned that the suspect, Josiah Velasquez, had called the victim the previous evening and said he needed a place to sleep.

According to PPD, the next day, the victim told Velasquez he had to leave. Velasquez then allegedly threatened Velasquez with a large knife (or machete) and chased him out of the house and down the street while threatening the victim.

The victim ran to the area of ​​O’Neal and Gladiola where he was able to call police.

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

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

When the SWAT team entered the house, they found Velasquez unconscious and successfully arrested him.

After a medical examination, Josiah was booked into the Pueblo County Detention Center on charges of aggravated menacing, violation of restraining order, and malicious damage to property.