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PD: El Mirage security guard threatened with nearly 4-foot machete

Posted at 2:30 PM, Jun 21, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-21 17:46:26-04

A trespasser threatened an El Mirage security guard with a nearly four-foot machete last week.

El Mirage police report that on June 16 they were called to a sand and gravel facility near 115th Avenue and Thunderbird Road. 

A security guard for the business reportedly saw a man, later identified as 35-year-old Anthony Martinez, walking through the property, past the "no trespassing" signs. 

The guard confronted Martinez and told him he needed to leave. 

Martinez then allegedly pulled a machete from his bicycle and pointed it at the guard. He then reportedly asked the guard, "Is there going to be a problem?"

The guard called police as Martinez road away on his bike.

Police located and arrested Martinez in a nearby wash area. 

Martinez reportedly told police that pulled out the machete because he feared the two small dogs with the guard. He also says he used the machete to protect himself from other dogs in the wash area. 

Police say the found Martinez in possession of methamphetamine. 

Police measured the machete and say it was 3 feet, 10 inches long with a nearly 2-foot blade. 

Martinez has been charged with drug possession and aggravated assault.