Vendor hit with shovel after chopping man with machete

A St James vendor allegedly refused to let a first setback end a heated confrontation, returning with another machete after he was disarmed of one during an earlier clash, police say.

Javielle Gutchie, 34, a vendor of Lilliput, St James, has been charged with wounding with intent following the incident in the parish on Monday, September 28.

According to police reports, about 4:30 p.m., the complainant was in the vicinity of City Centre with a relative when Gutchie allegedly approached them.

Gutchie reportedly brandished a machete and got into an argument with the relative.

The dispute soon turned physical, prompting the complainant to intervene and separate the two men.

The complainant reportedly managed to disarm Gutchie of the machete.

But police say that was not the end of the confrontation.

Gutchie allegedly left the area, only to return later armed with another machete.

He reportedly began arguing with the complainant before the confrontation again escalated into a physical fight.

Police allege that Gutchie then used the machete to inflict chop wounds to the complainant’s face.

The injured man reportedly grabbed a nearby shovel and struck Gutchie before fleeing the scene.

The police were summoned and Gutchie was arrested when they arrived. The machete was also confiscated.

The complainant was taken to hospital, where he was treated and later released.

Gutchie was charged on Wednesday, September 30, based on statements recorded by the police.

A court date is being finalised.

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