Atwater police searching for man wanted for assault with broomstick, machete

Atwater police are looking for a man accused of attacking his girlfriend with a broomstick and a machete on Monday.

Jeffrey Kelly, 37, allegedly struck the woman with a broomstick around 9:30 a.m. in the 1100 block of Broadway Avenue in Atwater, police Lt. Samuel Joseph told the Sun-Star.

“He then threatened her life and held a machete to the back of her neck,” Joseph said.

The woman managed to get away from Kelly and called for help after spotting an Atwater police volunteer patrolling the area. Kelly fled on foot, officers said.

“She had some minor injuries from the broom and was treated at the scene,” Joseph said.

Police said Kelly is considered dangerous and may be armed with a 9mm handgun. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

Kelly and the woman are residents of Los Osos in San Luis Obispo County. They apparently were passing through town when they got into an argument inside their vehicle, described as a utility truck with a camper attached.

It was not clear exactly what sparked the violence.

Officers searched the truck and found a machete, a crossbow, nunchaku, three rifles, a BB gun and ammunition. Police did not find a 9mm handgun that Kelly owns, and believe he may have it in his possession.

Kelly was described by police as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet tall, weighing about 200 pounds. He has a trimmed beard and was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, beanie-style cap and blue jeans.

This story was originally published January 4, 2016 at 5:19 PM with the headline "Atwater police searching for man wanted for assault with broomstick, machete."