A 59-year-old Ocala man was arrested after he threatened a male victim with a knife during an altercation that was filmed on the victim’s cellphone.
On Wednesday, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a local residence in reference to an aggravated assault incident. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with Michael Robert Smith, and he was detained for safety reasons, according to the MCSO report.
The deputy proceeded to make contact with the male victim who advised that Smith had threatened him with a knife. The victim stated that the incident was recorded on his cellphone, and the victim showed this video footage to the deputy.
In the MCSO report, the deputy noted that Smith was observed on the video footage, and he was holding a knife in his right hand. During the video, Smith raised the knife and told the victim, “I will carve you like a piece of meat.” The report indicated that Smith also made several other verbal threats to the victim while wielding the knife.
The deputy further noted that the video recording of the incident showed Smith and the victim outside of the residence, and Smith moved closer to the victim several times while still wielding the knife.
According to the MCSO report, a knife was located in the kitchen of the residence. The victim confirmed that this was the knife that was in Smith’s possession during the incident. The knife, which measured approximately 14 inches in length, had a 9-inch blade.
The deputy returned to Smith. After being read his Miranda rights, Smith admitted that he “did have the knife,” but he denied making any threatening statements to the victim.
Smith was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held on $2,000 bond. He is facing a felony charge for aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony.
A court date has been scheduled at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, February 28, according to jail records.