Body camera video shows the moments officers had to dodge machete knives being thrown at them during an arrest on Thursday. Richland Center Police Chief Billy Jones said officers were sent to Sextonville Road and South Church Street after dispatchers received reports of a man, 38 year old Travis Martin of Richland Center, swinging an axe while walking in the area. The footage captured the entire incident as it unfolded. One by one, three officers arrived at he scene and made contact with Martin who was reportedly carrying an axe. The officers can be heard telling Martin to drop the axe over and over again. The situation escalates when Martin appears to move towards them. Officers are heard telling Martin to “get back” several times before he’s seen running the opposite direction. The officers began chasing Martin as he is seen throwing things in their direction. One of the officers can be heard telling the other to “watch out” before yelling at Martin that he is going to be tased. Eventually Martin falls to the ground and was arrested at he scene. Police Chief Billy Jones said they later identified the items thrown as machete knives— and he claims one landed five feet in front of an officer running after Martin. Jones said Martin hit multiple vehicles with the axe before officers arrived.
