Springfield man arrested in attack with machete

A 27-year-old Springfield woman reported to police her boyfriend attacked her with a 24-inch machete.

The suspect, identified as Joseph E. Diviak, 42, reportedly charged at the victim with a machete and drew it down on her, stopping just shy of striking her chest, according to a Springfield police report.

The woman told police the two had a verbal argument, and Diviak was later highly intoxicated when she showed up at his house in the 400 block of Roseland Drive West around 3 a.m. Sunday.

The woman refused medical treatment at the scene after she was thrown to the ground and hit her head, police said.

Diviak wouldn’t follow police commands to walk toward them. Officers partially tased the suspect, and had to follow him into his home to place him in custody.

The suspect reportedly let his dog loose on officers.

Diviak was charged with aggravated menacing; aggravated assault; tampering with evidence; obstructing official business; resisting arrest; and criminal damaging.

Diviak was arraigned in court Monday where he pleaded not guilty and bond was set at $15,025. He is no longer listed as in Clark County Jail.

About the Author