Boston

Man accused of chasing people in Boston with hunting knife

Madej was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a dangerous weapon. He's expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court

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A man accused of chasing people down the street as he wielded a hunting knife appeared in court Wednesday.

The incident occurred at about 1 p.m. near 10 Park Plaza, according to Boston police, who said 51-year-old John Madej was reportedly with a machete and trying to attack someone.

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After searching for the suspect, officers found Madej in the area of Boylston and Charles streets, police said.

Madej, of South Boston, "took up a fighting stance" when the officers approached him, according to police.

Officers were able to quickly arrest the 51-year-old man and found a hunting knife in his right pants' pocket, police said.

Madej was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a dangerous weapon. At his appearance in Boston Municipal Court, he had to be removed from the room twice for the constant profanity he uttered. A court clinician who evaluated him said he was not in his right mind, saying they had concerns Madej would not be able to "rationally appreciate" his circumstances or work with his attorney on his defense.

Madej also had a warrant for his arrest for failing to register as a sex offender, according to police.

The judge ordered Madej be sent to Bridgewater State Hospital for further treatment, where he will spend up to 20 days until his next hearing in September.

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