Fight involving machete outside Racine Public Library, 2 arrested

RACINE, Wis. - Someone brought a machete to a fight outside the Racine Public Library and the person who got cut was also charged.

Police say it all started with an argument.

"It's always been nice and calm. Peaceful. I've been coming out here since I was a kid," said Heather Wooddell.

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Racine Public Library

But on Thursday, Aug. 8, things turned violent outside.

Racine police tell FOX6 an argument escalated between two people outside the library, with one of them cutting the other on the neck with a machete.

"To hear something like that that's actually really upsetting," said Dejanelle Miller.

Both individuals have been arrested. According to the criminal complaint, Duncan Bell is charged with reckless endangering safety, aggravated battery, and disorderly conduct.

Racine County Sheriff's Office

The person that was cut was arrested for possession of illegal narcotics. His identity has not been released.

"I’ve lived in Racine my whole life, I’ve never seen anything like that around here," added Wooddell. "Just worse things could’ve happened if a kid would’ve been out."

Both individuals were taken to the hospital for injuries and have since been treated and released.

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While the library declined an on-camera interview, patrons tell FOX6 they hope security is added to ensure safety.

"I hope that the person's okay. I really do because that really shouldn't have happened, regardless of what argument they were in, that shouldn't have happened," added Miller.

While the police did not go on camera, they did say this kind of case is rare.