Watch CBS News

State Police: Bolivar Man Threatens Girlfriend With Machete

FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- State police in Westmoreland County say a man is behind bars after allegedly threatening his live-in girlfriend with a machete during a domestic dispute.

Troopers were called to a mobile home on Route 259 at Patterson Road just south of Bolivar in Fairfield Township after 1 a.m. on Saturday, June 9.

State police have identified the suspect as 42-year-old Andrew Baird of Bolivar.

According to investigators, Baird's girlfriend, identified as 45-year-old Pamela Betts, told state police he began to argue after drinking some whiskey.

"We've responded to incidents involving him before," said Trooper Steve Limani, of the Pennsylvania State Police. "She had said her live-in boyfriend had consumed a large amount of alcohol; she said a fifth of whiskey he had consumed."

Betts told state police that Baird then got a hold of a 17-inch long machete. Authorities say he's accused of threatening her, and then started attacking dishes and furniture inside the home.

"The house was in disarray and in shambles," Trooper Limani added. "During the altercation, he had grabbed her and put the machete to her neck and said he wanted to cut her head off."

Police say Betts was able to get out of the home with her children. They ran to a nearby wooded area where they called 911.

Baird threw the machete into the woods, officials said.

"He had discarded it in a wooded area not that far from the residence," said Trooper Limani.

After he was taken into custody without incident, state police say Baird was taken to the Westmoreland County Jail.

RELATED LINKS:
More News from Westmoreland County
More Local News

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.