Police say a man was arrested for swinging a machete at voters at a polling station

NEPTUNE BEACH, Florida — A Florida man has been arrested and accused of swinging a machete at two voters waiting in line at the polling place in Neptune Beach.

Neptune Beach is located east of Jacksonville.

Neptune Beach Police Chief Michael J. Key said officers responded Tuesday to a call of a person armed with a machete at the Beaches Branch Library, which serves as an early voting site.

Officers said they found eight young men, seven juveniles and one adult man in the parking lot.

“The group was there for no other reason than a malicious intent to cause trouble,” Key said.

Investigators say the group was there to protest and antagonize the opposing political side.

During the confrontation, 18-year-old Caleb James Williams of Neptune Beach swung the machete above his head in an aggressive, threatening posture, according to police.

Police said Williams pointed the machete at two female victims, ages 71 and 54.

“Voting in our country is one of the most sacred and protected rights we have,” Key said. “Ensuring everyone’s right to vote is critically important and will not be compromised in Neptune Beach or Duval County.”

Police said the woman was scared and called police, who responded less than a minute later.

“I am extremely proud of my agency for quickly and effectively handling this incident to continue to ensure the security of this election site for voters,” Key said.

Williams was arrested on charges of aggravated assault on a person 65 years of age or older and unlawful display of a firearm or dangerous weapon.