NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. – A. Florida The teenager, accused of trying to ‘antagonize opposing political parties’, was arrested after police said he threatened people outside his constituency in Neptune Beach.

According to the Neptune Beach Police Department, 18-year-old Caleb James Williams and seven other teens went to the early voting site Tuesday around 4 p.m.

Police said the group approached a group waving signs on State Road A1A and got into a ‘verbal mayhem’.

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As the incident escalated, officers say Williams brandished his machete in an aggressive stance at two women, aged in their 50s and 70s.

Police say Caleb Williams brandished a machete outside his Florida precinct on Tuesday. Image courtesy of Neptune Beach Police Department.

The women called police less than a minute later.

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“I am extremely proud of my department for handling this incident quickly and effectively to keep this voting area a safe place for voters,” Neptune Beach Police Chief Michael Key Jr. said. “The sole purpose of the group being there was to cause havoc with malicious intent. This is not just an incident about a First Amendment right, but rather an incident where they were there to cause mayhem. Voting in our country is one of the most sacred and protected rights we have. Ensuring everyone has the right to vote.” It’s very important, and it won’t be blocked in Neptune Beach or Duval County. It goes well beyond expressing your Peace’s protected first amendment speech, but that goes out the window the moment you raise the machete menacingly over your head.”

Picture: Pala police say Williams threatened sign wavers outside an early voting site in Florida. Image courtesy of Neptune Beach Police Department.

The incident is still under investigation and more charges may be filed.

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“I’m angry about this,” Chief Key said. “I’m extremely angry about that. This group of young people probably weren’t using their heads and weren’t thinking very clearly about what they wanted to accomplish because, again, it’s one thing to go out and exercise your First Amendment right. We very sincerely hold it as a sacred right to express that. But again, as I said, Once you turn to violence it goes out the window and to say I was disturbed would be an understatement in Neptune Beach.”

Booking photo of Caleb Williams courtesy of Neptune Beach Police Department.

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

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