CSP: men accused of wielding machetes in town park

machete suspects
Booking photos of machete suspects Photo credit Connecticut State Police

Columbia, Conn./WTIC Radio - Witnesses in a park in Columbia received a scare Monday when state police say two men came at them armed with machetes in a town park.

The incident occurred around 3:00 p.m.

State troopers say two men emerged from a wooded area near the Recreation Fields on Hennequin Road.

The two men left the park in a vehicle, a description of which was provided by a witness.

Police stopped that vehicle, the two men inside saying they were fishing in a nearby river and used the machetes to guard against snakes.

Benjamin DeLeon-Chach, 43, and Fabian Simaj-Tum, 47, are charged with breach of peace.

DeLeon-Chach, who was driving the vehicle, was also charged with OUI, failure to maintain a proper lane, and driving without a license, said police.

Both men posted bond and are due in court in Rockville July 31st.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Connecticut State Police