Machete-Wielding Bayville Man Threatens Another In Howell: Police

HOWELL, NJ — A Bayville resident wielding a machete threatened a Neptune man at the Collingwood Flea Market in Howell over an apparent unpaid car repair bill, police said.

Luis Taveras, 39, walked into the Collingwood Auction on Route 33 in Howell about 9 a.m. Saturday carrying the large machete, Sgt. Nicholas Bondarew said.

He approached the 40-year-old Neptune resident and demanded payment for a car repair, using the machete to threaten him, Bondarew said.

Multiple witnesses who were present "prevented the incident from escalating into a physical altercation or the weapon being used," he said.

Taveras fled in his vehicle without receiving any money before police arrived, Bondarew said. However, he was identified through the investigation.

He was arrested in Eatontown about noon on Saturday, Bondarew said, with the assistance of Eatontown police. Taveras has been charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon and terroristic threats.

Taveras was being held at the Monmouth County Jail pending a detention hearing, Bondarew said.

This article contains additional reporting by Karen Wall.