NewsLocal News

Actions

Man arrested after allegedly threatening girlfriend with 24-inch machete

Docs: Suspect stole woman's cell phone
Posted
and last updated

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A Bakersfield man was arrested this week, accused of threatening his girlfriend with a 24-inch machete and stealing her cell phone.

James Karanja, 38, was arrested Monday on first-degree robbery, threatening bodily injury on a spouse or cohabitant charges -- both felonies -- and a misdemeanor charge of "exhibiting a deadly weapon other than a firearm."

According to court documents obtained by 23ABC News, Bakersfield Police officers were called to the 4000 block of Boswellia Drive around 4 p.m. after the alleged victim said her boyfriend of eight years, Karanja, threatened her with a machete.

The victim told officers she and Karanja were arguing when he pulled out the weapon, which had a red blade. She told investigators Karanja pointed the blade at her "in a threatening manner" and demanded the victim's cell phone. She gave it to him, according to the documents, then left the home.

Officers then got a search warrant and searched the home, finding the red-bladed machete allegedly used by Karanja. Investigators also seized recording equipment as it may have recorded the alleged incident.

Karanja is currently being held on $80,000 bail and is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Saturday

07/05/2025

Sunny

93° / 65°

0%

Sunday

07/06/2025

Sunny

98° / 69°

0%

Monday

07/07/2025

Sunny

100° / 67°

0%

Tuesday

07/08/2025

Sunny

100° / 68°

0%

Wednesday

07/09/2025

Sunny

98° / 70°

0%

Thursday

07/10/2025

Sunny

100° / 73°

0%

Friday

07/11/2025

Sunny

105° / 75°

0%

Saturday

07/12/2025

Sunny

104° / 74°

0%