Port St. Lucie, FL – A 65-year-old Florida woman has been arrested after allegedly threatening to chop and shoot a cable company worker attempting to install fiber-optic equipment on her property, according to police reports.
Charmaine Borger faces one count of simple assault – threatening violence and one count of resisting arrest – without violence, following the incident at her residence on Southwest Ardmore Street in Port St. Lucie, a city located about 50 miles north of West Palm Beach.
Incident Sparks Police Response
Police were called to the scene late last week after a disturbance involving the homeowner and a cable company employee. Authorities said the worker was performing a routine installation of a concrete fiber-optics box in an easement on Borger’s property when she became confrontational.
The arrest affidavit states that Borger initially demanded a copy of the installation permit. The worker reportedly declined to provide one, explaining that he could show the permit but not give a copy.
According to police, Borger then escalated the situation with threats.
“Don’t play with me, I’ll go get my axe and chop you,” she allegedly said.
The worker called 911 shortly after the threat, but Borger allegedly continued:
“You better leave, I do have a gun. Ima go get it if you don’t leave.”
“If you don’t leave, you’re a dead man.”
“Ima go get my gun and shoot you. This is my land; I pay $8,000 on house fees; you better leave now.”
Witness Observations
A witness at the scene confirmed hearing Borger issuing threats and cursing at the worker. The witness recorded part of the confrontation and corroborated that Borger demanded a copy of the permit, called the employee derogatory names, and pointed to the hole being dug, claiming:
“This is my property, if I was to put a bomb in here I can.”
The worker reportedly responded that she could not legally plant a bomb, prompting Borger to continue making belligerent statements.
“You don’t tell me what to do. I will kill you,” she allegedly said.
Borger’s Explanation
When questioned by law enforcement, Borger said she had not received any notification regarding the fiber-optic installation and expressed concerns over safety, noting she did not use the cable service provider conducting the work. She reportedly feared that unknown underground installations could be hazardous.
Arrest and Charges
Borger was taken into custody and booked into the St. Lucie County Jail. She is being held on $750 bond. The Port St. Lucie Police Department confirmed the charges of simple assault – threatening violence and resisting arrest – without violence.
Authorities emphasized that the worker was performing a lawful installation and that the threats posed a significant risk, prompting a rapid police response to ensure safety.
Safety and Legal Takeaway
This incident highlights the importance of remaining calm and following legal protocols when disputes arise over property and utility work. Homeowners concerned about permits or safety should contact the proper authorities rather than engaging in threats or violent behavior.
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