Bricelyn man fought off home invaders with a machete

Published 4:56 pm Sunday, December 3, 2017

By Kristine Goodrich, Mankato Free Press

BLUE EARTH — Two men and their dogs were seriously injured in an alleged home invasion in Bricelyn when the occupant fought back with a machete.

Joshua William Clark, 42, reported that Geronimo Deluna Jr., 41, and David Deluna, 39, both also of Bricelyn, assaulted him Nov. 7 in his home on North Fourth Street, according to a criminal complaint.

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Clark said he had been arguing with Geronimo Deluna over money owed for vehicle repairs.

He said the Delunas kicked in his door and two dogs rushed in and attacked him. Clark said he grabbed a machete and struck the dogs.

He said the men then attacked him and he struck them with a machete as well. David Deluna then allegedly kicked Clark’s daughter in the face.

Clark said there was blood everywhere when the men and dogs retreated. As they left, he said the men threatened to return and shoot him.

The suspects were stopped in a vehicle in Freeborn County and taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea. One of the men had a nearly severed ear, according to a search warrant application. Both men were later taken to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

The injured dogs were euthanized.

Both Geronimo and David Deluna are now charged in Faribault County District Court in Blue Earth with felony burglary and felony threats. They have not been arrested and are ordered to appear in court next month.