Brockton, Mass. Man Accused of Machete Attack During Car Repossession Pleads Not Guilty

Man Accused of Machete Attack During Car Repossession Pleads Not Guilt

BROCKTON, Mass. — A Brockton man accused of attacking a car-repossession worker with a machete pleaded not guilty Tuesday after police said a confrontation during the attempted repossession left the worker with a serious arm injury.

Wonder Estiverne, 35, appeared in court Tuesday in connection with the incident, which happened Monday morning on Curve Street in Brockton. He is facing charges including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, along with motor vehicle-related offenses, according to authorities.

Police said the victim, a 42-year-old worker, was attempting to repossess a gray Honda Accord when a confrontation developed. Investigators allege Estiverne retrieved a machete from the vehicle and swung it at the worker, striking him in the arm.

The worker suffered a severe laceration and was taken to Good Samaritan Medical Center for treatment. Police said he was bleeding heavily following the alleged attack.

During Tuesday’s court appearance, Estiverne’s defense presented a different account of what happened. According to Boston 25 News, his defense claimed the repossession worker pepper-sprayed Estiverne in the face, temporarily blinding him. The defense reportedly argued that the cut to the worker was not intentional.

Police, however, said the confrontation escalated before Estiverne allegedly took the machete and swung it at the worker.

Authorities also allege Estiverne attempted to flee following the confrontation. Police said he got into the tow truck and left it in gear, causing it to roll forward and strike a tree across the street.

Estiverne then allegedly drove away in his vehicle and failed to stop for police, leading officers on a pursuit.

According to police, the pursuit continued toward Canton. Investigators said Estiverne drove at a high rate of speed, crossed the double yellow line and entered oncoming traffic. Police ultimately ended their pursuit because of the dangerous conditions, according to reports.

Estiverne was later arrested by Massachusetts State Police.

Police said Estiverne acknowledged the confrontation and admitted to swinging a knife at the worker, according to Boston 25 News.

Estiverne was ordered held on $10,000 bail. He is scheduled to return to court on September 10.

The case remains pending, and the allegations have not been proven in court. Estiverne is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The incident is the latest in a series of cases involving confrontations during vehicle repossessions, which can quickly escalate when vehicle owners dispute the seizure of their property.

Source: Boston 25 News (WFXT)