Josiah Velasquez : “Pueblo Police Arrest Machete Suspect After Standoff”

(PUEBLO, Colo.) — The Pueblo Police Department (PPD) successfully apprehended a suspect who allegedly terrorized a man with a machete, leading to a dramatic standoff that ended with the suspect in custody. The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 26, in the 3400 Block of O’Neal Avenue in Pueblo, Colorado.

PPD responded to a distress call reporting a man wielding a machete at around 2:30 p.m. The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Josiah Velasquez, had reportedly contacted the victim the previous night seeking shelter. When the victim asked Velasquez to leave the following day, Velasquez brandished the machete and began chasing the victim down the street, issuing threats.

The victim managed to escape and alert the authorities, prompting a swift response from PPD. Velasquez then barricaded himself inside the victim’s residence, causing damage to the property and brandishing large knives at law enforcement officers.

After a tense standoff involving PPD’s SWAT team and negotiators, search and arrest warrants were obtained. Upon entering the property, SWAT team members discovered Velasquez unconscious. PPD took Velasquez into custody without further incident and subsequently booked him into the Pueblo County Detention Center following a medical evaluation.

Velasquez now faces multiple charges, including Felony Menacing, Violation of a Restraining Order, and Criminal Mischief. The swift and decisive action taken by PPD ensured the safety of the victim and the community at large, bringing a dangerous situation to a peaceful resolution.