(HorizonPost.com) – A former mixed martial arts fighter fought off a knife-wielding assailant last week after he was attacked in the parking lot of his apartment complex in Cutler Bay, Florida, Local10.com reported.
Former fighter Javier Baez was in his vehicle around 4:00 a.m. last Wednesday after a night out on Halloween when he spotted a man, later identified as Omar Marrero, carrying a long knife and yelling.
According to the arrest report, when Marrero spotted Baez in his vehicle, he started hitting the window with the knife, then opened the driver’s side door in an attempt to stab Baez. The former MMA fighter exited his vehicle and tried to diffuse the situation but Marrero continued swinging the knife at him.
Marrero then returned to his vehicle, placed the knife on the floor on the front passenger side, and attempted to fight Baez. He then returned to his vehicle and pulled out a second knife, attempting to slash Baez several times.
Surveillance footage shows Marrero rushing toward Baez. But the MMA fighter quickly overpowered him, lifting him and slamming him to the ground.
Baez said he placed Marrero in a chokehold which made him pass out. After that Baez was able to use his knee to hold Marrero down while he called the police. By the time Marrero came to, the police had arrived.
Baez sustained only minor scratches to his hands from the altercation.
While he didn’t know Marrero, Baez told Local 10 that he had seen him around the neighborhood.
Police took Marrero to the Cutler Bay Municipal District where he provided a statement. He faces one count of burglary with assault/battery and aggravated battery.
Marrero is being held at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center without bond.
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