CLERMONT, Fla. – Body camera video shows Lake County deputies arresting a man accused of grabbing kitchen knives and threatening neighbors during an argument over a noisy go-kart. Authorities say the confrontation happened Monday night on Eryn Boulevard in Clermont, where a teenager had gone to a friend’s home to work on the go-kart inside a neighbor’s garage.
Investigators say witnesses reported the suspect, identified as Richard Carter, marched across the street yelling and demanding one of the young men leave the neighborhood.
Deputies say the situation escalated when Carter threw a lawn chair and then grabbed a chef’s knife and a meat cleaver, allegedly threatening to “bash their heads in” if the go-kart engine started again.
One victim told deputies Carter held a knife to their heads.He was so scared he dropped to his knees and begged not to be hurt.
In the body camera video obtained from the Lake County Sheriff’s office, Carter acknowledges grabbing “the first thing” he could in anger, while deputies tell him he “can’t do that.”
Carter was arrested and faces two felony counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill. Records show he was released on bond Tuesday.
One of the victims, who did not want to go on camera, said he was shocked the incident happened and believes it may have been a misunderstanding, adding he has known the neighbor for years and his actions were out of character.
Carter’s wife declined to comment when asked at their home.