Published: October 28, 2009 11:38 am      

Man threatens friend with meat cleaver, say police

A Live Oak man was arrested Tuesday for threatening a friend with a meat cleaver, according to a sheriff's press release.

Michael Bernard Slater, 34, of 6452 161st Road threw beer on a female friend as she was trying to leave his residence, according to the release.

Slater then reportedly retrieved a meat cleaver, threatening to cut her throat and allegedly making a slashing motion near her face.

The woman was able to call authorities from another room in the residence. Upon the arrival of Suwannee County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Barrs, Slater was not present but turned up a short time later, before the arrival of a K-9 unit, the press release indicated. Slater reportedly denied the incident and was placed into custody. He was transported to the Suwannee County Jail where he was charged with domestic aggravated assault and battery. Bond was set at $5,000.