Collier County man accused of charging at man with machete, approaching children while intoxicated

Collier County deputies arrested 63-year-old Miguel Lopez after he was accused of threatening a man and children with a machete outside a home near Lake Park Drive and Tamiami Trail East on Aug. 27. Deputies said Lopez reportedly appeared intoxicated and had driven to the location moments earlier. After being told to leave by the children's family member, the victims said Lopez returned to his car, retrieved a machete, and was accused of attempting to start a fight outside the home on Blue Heron Drive. According to the arrest report, the victims told deputies they did not know Lopez. "I don't really hear a lot of people with machetes carrying like, yeah, so that was a little crazy also," said local resident Yervant Alcequiez, who was alarmed to learn the incident happened so close to home. "Concerned. Scared. Terrified," Alcequiez said. According to the arrest report, one victim told deputies he threw objects at Lopez to try to stop him and used a vehicle bumper as a barrier. "Imagine you're with your family and you see that happening. Obviously, first thought is to protect them and run away, I would assume," Alcequiez said. Deputies said Lopez eventually dropped the machete and was later found in his SUV without his keys. Lopez is facing a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and is now out on bond. "Just control your emotions and not do stupid things," Alcequiez said. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.