Smithfield Police Arrest Man for Taking Chisel To Ex-Son-In-Law's Pickup

When your ex-wife's father threatens to kill you one moment, then invites you to come pick up some belongings the next, discretion is likely the better part of valor. 

At 2:09 p.m. April 27, Smithfield Police Patrolman John Beausoleil responded to Dean Avenue to speak with Anthony Romano, 30, about his report of his ex-father-in-law's vandalism to his black 2001 Ford pickup while he was inside it.

Romano said he had run into his ex-wife's father, William Machala, 59, of 28 Bayberry Road, Smithfield, while at the Valero Gas Station in Johnston.

Initially, Romano said, Machala was verbally abusive and made numerous death threats against him. During his wedding, Romano said, Machala gave the couple a large sum of money, which he wanted back.

But then, Romano said, Machala appeared to calm down and invited him to his office at Kerissa Creations, 15 Lark Industrial Parkway to pick up some of his belongings.

When they arrived at the office and Romano got out of his truck, he saw Machala charging toward him with a long metal chisel. Romano said he jumped back in the truck, but Machala grabbed him through the open window. Romano said he managed to roll the window up before being struck, according to Beausoleil's report.

Romano told Beausoleil that Machala then began striking his truck with the chisel, telling him he would kill him the next time he saw him. Romano provided a video recording of the incident, on which Machala can be heard threatening to kill Romano the next time he sees him.

Smithfield Police wrote an arrest warrant for Machala, who was arrested at about 5 p.m. that day. He was charged with domestic disorderly conduct and domestic vandalism, both misdemeanors.