Amazon employee, 24, held without bail after allegedly threatening coworker with two machetes

No injuries reported from incident at facility in Revere; victim fled the building after suspect distracted by another worker

By Steve Freker

A 24-year-old Amazon worker who allegedly stood over and threatened another employee with two machete knives, one in each hand, was ordered held without bail Monday on charges he threatened to kill the suspected victim. The incident was reported on Saturday to Revere Police at the Amazon facility in Revere at 135 American Legion Highway.

Evens Laforet, of Rochester, N.Y., on Tuesday morning was charged in Chelsea District Court with assault with a dangerous weapon (machete), assault with intent to murder and assault and battery. Judge Stuart Hurowitz ordered Laforet held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Thursday, September 25, after Advocate press time.

On Saturday September 20, Revere police responded to the Amazon facility at 135 American Legion Highway. The alleged victim, an employee, reported being chased by another employee, later identified as Laforet, with a machete. According to prosecutors, the alleged victim said Laforet had worked at the facility for about a month and “had consistently demonstrated aggressive behavior.”

Before the incident, Laforet put himself at a workstation that he was not assigned to. When the victim approached Laforet to address the issue, Laforet allegedly grabbed the victim’s vest and stated, “I’m going to kill you.” According to reports, the alleged victim pushed Laforet off and Laforet left the building. Laforet returned holding two machetes. The victim reported that Laforet threatened to kill him again before charging in his direction. The victim tripped and fell and Laforet stood over him with the machetes raised.

Another employee intervened by yelling Laforet’s name. While Laforet looked away, the victim ran. Laforet then fled the facility before police arrived.

A witness reported seeing a male enter the wooded area near the Amazon facility entrance. State police were notified and assisted in the search. Police were able to locate Laforet by pinging his cellphone and placed him under arrest without further incident.

Reportedly, he told officers he believed he was being harassed by his coworker and that is what prompted his actions. He told officers he did not intend to harm him, he only wanted to “send a message.”

“Standing over someone with machetes is no way to send a message. Our focus for the Safe Shopping Initiative is not just on consumer safety but also on workplace safety and the wellbeing of employees,” Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in a statement.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe, and I thank the employees who stepped in and acted quickly by calling 911 during this frightening incident,” the Suffolk DA added.