A homeless man was arrested outside an Ocala Target after he allegedly struck a car with a machete, causing over $1,000 worth of damage.

On Thursday, February 27, at around 8:05 p.m., an Ocala Police Department officer responded to the Target located at 2000 SW College Road in reference to a “possible disturbance.” Upon arrival, the officer made contact with a male victim who advised that a man, later identified as Charles Conklin, had damaged his vehicle with a knife, according to the arrest report.

The victim stated that he was attempting to leave the parking lot when he approached the stop sign on SW 16th Avenue. According to the victim’s statement, Conklin approached his vehicle from the driver’s side and “began getting upset and yelling.”

Conklin then allegedly removed a “large machete” that was strapped to the frame of his bicycle. The victim alleged that Conklin then proceeded to use the “butt end of the machete” to strike the C-pillar of his car, near the rear driver’s door and roof, according to the report.

The officer noted in the report that the victim’s car sustained “significant damage,” which included a large dent and chipped paint. The damage was estimated at approximately $1,500.

The officer made contact with Conklin at the incident location. During a pat-down search of Conklin, the officer found a black glove in his front left pocket, which allegedly contained a long glass pipe with a bowl on the end and two small clear plastic bags that were filled with a crystal-like substance.

The report stated that the glass pipe and substance both field-tested positive for methamphetamine.

After being read his Miranda rights, Conklin allegedly admitted to damaging the victim’s car. He was placed under arrest and transported to Marion County Jail, where he is currently being held on a $6,000 bond.

Conklin is being charged with criminal mischief ($1,000 or more), possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Last week, Conklin entered a written plea of “not guilty.” He is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 1, according to Marion County Court records.