Fort Pierce Man Arrested Following Alleged Chainsaw Threat at Protest
A Fort Pierce man is in custody facing serious felony charges after police say he menaced a group of demonstrators—including a teenage boy—with a chainsaw during a protest along U.S. 1.
Michael Barry was arrested following a two-month investigation into the November incident, according to the Fort Pierce Police Department. Barry faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and child abuse. He is currently being held at the St. Lucie County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
The incident reportedly occurred while protesters were gathered for a demonstration regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Witnesses and police reports state that Barry exited a vehicle stopped at a red light, brandishing a chainsaw.
Details of the Alleged Assault
Authorities indicate that Barry approached the group and attempted to start the chainsaw while advancing toward them. Among the protesters was a 14-year-old boy, who police say was a specific target of Barry’s aggression. After a brief verbal exchange, the traffic light turned green, and Barry returned to the vehicle, which then fled the scene.
Bruno Moore, the father of the 14-year-old involved, expressed shock at the severity of the confrontation. While he is accustomed to verbal opposition during protests, Moore noted that this interaction crossed a dangerous line into physical threats.
“The guy got out at the traffic light, at the red light with a chainsaw… People shout at you, they give you the finger, they do all that sort of stuff, which is fine. I mean, I think that’s part of the discourse. But now anybody coming out and making a physical threat, that’s the first time that’s happened.”
Suspect Was “On the Run”
Authorities had been searching for Barry since the incident took place in November. Fort Pierce Police Major Mike Santiago clarified that the delay in the arrest was due to the suspect actively evading law enforcement. Barry ultimately turned himself in to authorities at the St. Lucie County Jail.
Investigators noted that this is not Barry’s first encounter with the law; he has a history of prior arrests involving firearms charges and drug possession.
Ongoing Investigation
While Barry is behind bars, the case remains active. Police are continuing to investigate the driver of the vehicle involved in the incident to determine if further charges are warranted against that individual.
Despite the frightening nature of the encounter, Moore stated that he and his son intend to continue exercising their right to protest. “I’m not like spoon-feeding him what to think or what to do or how to feel,” Moore said regarding his son’s involvement. “He has done all this on his own, and I’m encouraging him to continue doing that.”
