Machete found in stolen van after driver almost hops sidewalk, authorities say

Vehicle reported stolen from Jensen Beach

MARATHON, Fla. – Officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission arrested a man last week who they said stole a van in Jensen Beach and then almost drove over a sidewalk in Marathon.

According to FWC Officer Bobby Dube, an officer was patrolling U.S. Route 1  near mile marker 54 Friday in Marathon when he saw a Chevy 3500 van almost go onto the sidewalk in the northbound lane.

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Officer Noel Garcia gave FWC dispatchers a description of the van and the tag number, which came back registered to a van that was reported stolen in Jensen Beach.

Dube said multiple officers pulled over the van and detained the driver, identified as William Lee Smith, 30, who is homeless.

Dube said the vehicle was searched and authorities found a machete hidden behind the passenger seat.

Smith faces charges of grand theft of a vehicle, possession of a concealed weapon, driving with a suspended license, careless driving and not producing a driver's license. 

He was booked into the Marathon jail without bond. 


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.