BULLHEAD CITY — A struggle over a machete that injured a 70-year-old man in Bullhead City has led to a plea agreement. Kokopelli Beecher, 30, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct for reckless handling of a weapon during a Wednesday hearing before Mohave County Superior Court Judge Lee Jantzen.
Deputy county attorney Jacob Cote said Kokopelli had been allowed to store some of his personal belongings in the victim’s vehicle. The victim reported that Kokopelli was agitated when he attempted to retrieve his items from that vehicle, including his machete, at Rotary Park on the morning of June 13.
Cote said the victim was concerned for his safety given Kokopelli’s erratic behavior. “The victim tried to take the machete away from him, which wasn’t the smartest thing to do, and was injured in the process,” Cote said.
Paramedics treated the victim for lacerations on his hand.
Judge Jantzen has broad discretion when imposing punishment at a September 2 sentencing hearing. Kokopelli is eligible for probation but could be sentenced to up to two years in prison.
