Deland, FL – A 36-year-old man from Pierson was arrested Tuesday morning after witnesses reported he choked a juvenile and later threatened an adult with a knife at a Deland intersection, authorities said. The suspect, identified as Christopher Steven Schwable, faces aggravated child abuse and aggravated assault charges following the violent incident.
Attack at Deland Intersection
Police were called to the intersection of Clear Lake Drive and North Spring Garden Avenue around 8:22 a.m. Tuesday after multiple witnesses reported a violent altercation. Officers found Schwable lying on the ground, bleeding from the back of his head, with a folding knife located beneath him, which was secured as evidence.
Witnesses told police that Schwable choked a juvenile moments earlier. Fearing for the child’s safety, one witness made a U-turn and returned to the intersection, seeing the juvenile run away safely. The witness said Schwable was sitting on a curb and approached him while holding a folding knife, prompting the witness to strike Schwable twice with a toolbox and restrain him until police arrived.
“He told me he had ‘stopped that man in his path’ before producing a folding knife from his sleeve and holding it up,” the witness told officers, fearing for his own safety and that of his nearby son.
Victim and Witness Accounts
The juvenile victim was visibly distressed and had difficulty recounting the attack. According to the victim’s older brother, Schwable approached the child while brandishing a knife, grabbed him by the throat, and caused a cut on the child’s finger. Other witnesses reported seeing Schwable waving the knife toward bystanders, prompting them to intervene for self-defense.
Officers noted that Schwable was found face-down in the roadway, bleeding from his head. The knife was discovered in the open position beneath him.
Arrest and Charges
After being treated for his injuries at Halifax Health in Daytona Beach, Schwable was medically cleared and transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail. He refused to speak to police and, when advised of his rights, reportedly said:
“You are not taking me to jail.”
Schwable now faces aggravated child abuse and aggravated assault charges, with police continuing to review the incident.
Community Safety Concerns
The violent incident has raised concerns about public safety and intervention in street altercations. Authorities remind residents to prioritize their safety and contact law enforcement immediately if confronted with a person threatening themselves or others with a weapon.
Conclusion
A 36-year-old transient man was arrested in Deland after choking a juvenile and threatening an adult with a knife. Thanks to swift action by witnesses, the child was unharmed, and law enforcement was able to apprehend Schwable, who now faces serious charges.
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