Viral video shows machete-wielding suspect terrorizing Walmart store, Fort Pierce police officers subdue him

Fort Pierce police officers responded to multiple 911 calls Saturday night, August 30, regarding a man wielding a machete inside the Walmart store on Okeechobee Road. The incident occurred just after 9 p.m., according to police reports. Body-worn camera footage captured the entire encounter as officers arrived at the scene. Body camera footage captured the chaotic scene at Walmart with the police body camera video showing customers streaming out of the store as officers approached the building.

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"There were people running out, moving away," said Major Mike Santiago of the Fort Pierce police. "There were even some people that were in the store, not understanding what was going on at the time. So, it was somewhat chaotic."

The footage reveals a customer directing officers to the suspect, who was walking out with other evacuating customers. The machete was visible in the upper portion of his shopping cart.

Fort Pierce officers confront machete suspect

Officers approached the suspect and ordered him to show his hands. When an officer grabbed the suspect's left arm, the situation escalated quickly.

"And as he does that, the individual swings around, grabs the machete and starts swinging at the officer himself," Santiago said.

Multiple Fort Pierce police officers immediately intervened, deploying a Taser to subdue the suspect. Once on the ground, officers restrained him and confiscated the weapon.

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Police officer injured during machete confrontation

One Fort Pierce police officer sustained minor injuries during the altercation when cut by the machete. The officer received treatment at a local hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

"This could have gone a number of different ways," Santiago said. "It ended up where it was minor injuries, and we took somebody off the streets that was potentially a threat to everybody else in that area."

Suspect identified as Lawrence Fountain of Vero Beach

Police identified the suspect as Lawrence Fountain, 33, of Vero Beach. Fountain also sustained minor injuries during the struggle and received medical treatment before being transported to jail.

Investigators believe Fountain removed the machete from store inventory before the incident began.

Santiago said Walmart sells machetes, and investigators believe Fountain just grabbed one off the shelf and started waving it around.

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Criminal charges filed against machete suspect

Fountain faces multiple charges in connection with the Fort Pierce Walmart incident, including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.