Homeless Man Blocks Traffic, Attacks Hapless Driver’s Car with Machete

Pasadena police officers arrested a 37-year-old homeless man Monday afternoon after he alleged blocked traffic with his bicycle and then struck at a vehicle with a machete.

Luckily, the vehicle’s driver, a 48-year-old Pasadena woman, was able to drive away and avoided injury.

Pasadena police Lt. Pete Hettema said the incident happened at about 3 p.m. on Corson Street near Allen Avenue in Pasadena.

“The suspect blocked eastbound traffic on Corson at Allen while riding his bicycle. Without provocation, the suspect proceeded to strike the victim’s vehicle with a large machete,” Hettema said. “The victim was able to swerve around the suspect and flee to safety. The victim called police and followed behind the suspect at a safe distance.”

When officers arrived, they were able to locate and apprehend the suspect without incident.

There were no injuries, but the victim’s vehicle suffered extensive damage to the hood from the machete attack.

The suspect, identified as Lucas Amaya, 37, was booked for vandalism and assault with a deadly weapon, Hettema said.