Police in Toms River took a man into custody and charged him with possession of a weapon after officers disarmed the man earlier in the week.
On Monday, May 16, at approximately 7:35 p.m., while on patrol, Sergeant Chris McDowell pulled over when he observed an agitated man with what appeared to be a large knife yelling at passing motorists near the intersection of Brookside Drive and Route 37.
Toms River Police officials said a passing off-duty Seaside Heights Police officer, Robert Wasilick, stopped to assist when he observed the male with the knife.
Additional Toms River patrol officers responded and created a perimeter around the small, wooded area the male had retreated into.
Police said he was getting increasingly agitated and combative and refusing the officers' commands to drop the large machete he was swinging at officers.
After roughly twenty minutes of attempted dialog to no avail, Officer Brian Appleby seized the opportunity to tackle the individual and secure the machete.
Officers subdued the man and transported him to Community Medical Center for an evaluation.
He was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and disorderly conduct.