N.Y. man held for evaluation in alleged machete threat at Amazon facility in Revere

Status hearing now set for October 24 in Chelsea District Court on attempted murder charges

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, remains in custody after being arraigned last week on attempted murder and other charges in connection with the September 20 incident. A Suffolk District Attorney’s Office spokesperson told the Advocate Tuesday that Evens Laforet, 24, of Rochester, N.Y., is in custody at Bridgewater State Hospital, where he is being evaluated.

Laforet was arraigned on September 23 on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon (machete), assault with intent to murder, and assault and battery. A dangerousness hearing scheduled for September 25 was cancelled after it was determined he would be kept in custody in Bridgewater.

Here are the details of the case as provided in court by prosecutors. 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 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.