Tacoma man accused of attacking his roommate with a machete
A Tacoma man is accused of attacking his roommate with a machete while high on methamphetamine.
The victim suffered a 3-inch laceration on his face, as well as several cuts to his hands and forearms.
On Monday, his 24-year-old roommate pleaded not guilty to first-degree assault and was ordered jailed in lieu of $25,000.
Charging papers give this account:
Police were called to the men’s home Sunday and were met at the door by the defendant, who was agitated and sweaty despite below-freezing temperatures outside.
He was talking too quickly for officers to catch everything but claimed he “had to defend myself” when his roommate punched his arms, records say.
The defendant allegedly admitted to using meth that day and not sleeping for several days.
Police said they found a few meth pipes and syringes scattered amid mechanical parts in his bedroom.
The victim told police they argued “over the defendant’s treatment of the elderly homeowner,” records say.
He claimed he was lying on the couch when his roommate struck him in the face with the machete, and he was able to use his arms to block more blows.
This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 5:56 AM.
