FAIRMONT — A Ceylon man is facing multiple felony charges in Martin County.

Jose Nestor Perez II, 28, has been charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in the second degree, each of which carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison and a $14,000 fine. He is also charged with making threats of violence, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

According to the complaint:

On Aug. 5, an officer with the Sherburn/Welcome Police Department, along with a deputy with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a call about a man with a machete on Campbell Street in Welcome. Upon arriving at the apartment complex, the officer cleared the hallways and spoke with the reporting party.

A woman told the officer she saw a tall, skinny male holding what looked to be a machete. The officer and deputy were initially unable to locate a male matching her description and cleared the scene.

Later that morning, the officer received a call from an individual who was related to an alleged victim. The individual said the alleged victim described the male suspect to him and he matched the description of Perez. He said he believed Perez was still on the premises. The officer drove to the location and began talking to neighbors, as well as a woman who shares family with Perez.

The woman said Perez stopped by for family matters, saw a second man laying on the couch and began to “freak out.” The woman said she told Perez to leave, which he did, and that she was also fearful for her own safety because of past encounters with Perez. The woman said Perez returned later with a lawnmower blade in his hand.

The officer also spoke to the first alleged victim, who said she was coming inside from her vehicle when she saw Perez come around the corner from the alleged second victim’s apartment. She said Perez pointed what looked like a machete at her and said “You want some,” causing her to back up and slam the door in fear.

Prior to clearing the scene, the officer looked through the windows of a vehicle matching a description of Perez’s vehicle. In plain view, the officer was able to see a lawnmower blade. He took a photo, and showed it to three alleged witnesses who were all able to positively identify it as the weapon in Perez’s possession.

The officer later made contact with Perez, and told him he had already met with the other individuals, and Perez replied that the officer should already know what happened then. Perez declined an interview.

The officer informed Perez that he was going to be placed under arrest for second-degree assault. Perez replied that he knew what he did.