Walmart Machete Incident: Suspect Brought Down at Gunpoint by Police

An arrest unfolded in a Walmart parking lot as Maricopa police apprehended a man waving a machete on Friday. The individual, identified as 56-year-old William J. Elliott, now faces multiple charges including aggravated assault and resisting arrest.

Authorities arrived at The Wells plaza following reports of a disturbance involving Elliott and another man, Sean Pardo. Eyewitnesses indicated that Elliott was aggressively pursuing Pardo while brandishing the weapon, prompting urgent calls to 911.

Upon arrival, officers found Elliott shouting and gesticulating wildly. He was taken into custody at gunpoint without further incident. According to Pardo, the confrontation escalated when he merely asked Elliott for cigarettes. Witness Carlos Gutierrez-Villalba confirmed this account and noted that Elliott turned his aggression toward him once he began calling the police.

During the arrest, Elliott allegedly kicked an officer, William Wetherell, in the knee, adding to the list of charges. Following booking, Elliott was taken to the Pinal County jail where he faces a potential sentence of 13 years in prison.