Man accused of threatening deputies with machete faces more charges

GAINESVILLE - The man arrested for threatening Hall County sheriff's deputies with a machete on Sunday now faces additional charges.

Justin Matthew Bennett, 27, was arrested December 8 after he reportedly threatened four deputies with a machete outside a residence on Grant Street. A deputy shot Bennett in the hand to force him to drop the weapon. (See earlier story linked below.)

Before Bennett was involved in the altercation with deputies, he apparently broke into a residence on Sailors Avenue and assaulted three people inside the house. Two of the assault victims were identified as Melissa Ray, 34, and Peaches Shockley, 31. Because of the ongoing investigation, authorities are not releasing the name of the third victim.

Hall County authorities have now charged Bennett with two counts of aggravated assault, one count of burglary-1st degree and one count of aggravated stalking. He already faces four counts of assault on a peace officer and obstruction.

Bennett remains in the Hall County jail without bond.