The suspect claimed self-defense, but police said surveillance video showed a different sequence.
NORTH MIAMI, Fla. — Newly released video shows police arriving after a Sunday afternoon machete attack that left a man bleeding heavily near Northeast 142nd Street and Sixth Avenue.
Police identified the injured man as Bryant Toletino. Authorities said 31-year-old Ariel Alvarez attacked him with a machete after the two men spoke outside an apartment area. Alvarez was arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Investigators said Toletino had been visiting a friend when he encountered Alvarez outside. Police said the men knew each other from the neighborhood and were talking before the confrontation escalated. When officers arrived, they found Toletino bleeding from his hand while holding Alvarez against a fence. Toletino could be heard telling Alvarez not to act like the victim.
An arrest account said Alvarez pulled a machete from his waistband, chased Toletino across the street and struck him more than once. Police said Toletino suffered cuts and lacerations that caused severe bleeding. He was taken for medical treatment and was later described as recovering.
Alvarez told officers he acted in self-defense and said Toletino tried to steal his Apple Watch, police said. Investigators said surveillance video showed Alvarez chasing Toletino with the machete before the attack. Authorities said the machete was recovered and impounded as evidence.
The case now turns on video, witness accounts and police reports describing the moments before and after the attack. Authorities have not said whether the men had argued before Sunday or what may have led to the confrontation. No other injuries were reported in the available police account.
Alvarez was held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center as of Thursday. Jail records listed his bond as “to be set,” and records also showed an immigration hold. Court proceedings will determine the next steps in the felony case.
Toletino remained the listed victim in the case as police continued their review. The next milestone is Alvarez’s court process on the aggravated battery charge.
Author note: Last updated May 15, 2026.