Trelawny taxi driver charged after viral machete attack

A Trelawny taxi operator is facing serious charges after a video of him attacking a woman with a machete went viral on social media.

Cleon Buckle, 42, of Freeman's Hall, Albert Town, was arrested by Ulster Spring police on Friday, September 19, and formally charged with unlawful wounding. He is scheduled to appear in Ulster Spring Parish Court on Monday, October 6.

According to reports, the incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. on September 14 when the woman visited Buckle's home to retrieve a car key. An argument erupted, escalating into violence, with Buckle allegedly striking the woman on her arm with a machete before continuing the assault across her body. The victim reported the attack to police, who launched an investigation and took Buckle into custody.

In a related development, authorities revealed that Buckle is now facing additional charges for alleged sexual offences. Investigators from the Trelawny Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) confirmed that an arrest warrant had previously been issued against him in connection with a separate case. He is accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a minor in 2024. Arrangements are being made for Buckle to be interviewed and formally charged in relation to these allegations.

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