Transient wanted for brandishing machete

PALMDALE – A transient accused of brandishing a rusted machete at a woman who gave him a place to stay is now wanted by Palmdale deputies.

Kevin Amaya is described (by the victim) as a Hispanic male, approximately 20 to 24 years of age, with black hair and brown eyes, who stands about five feet ten inches tall and weighs around 140 pounds.

“He’s listed as a named suspect in the brandishing of a deadly weapon,” said Palmdale Community Relations Deputy Robbie Royster. “If he’s caught by deputies, he’s arrestable underneath this report.”

Royster said the incident happened around 6:15 p.m. Sunday at Malhi’s Inn, at 217 East Palmdale Boulevard.

The victim allowed Amaya to stay the previous night in her room in exchange for money; but in the morning, Amaya skipped out without paying, Royster said.

“When Mr. Amaya left, he left his cell phone,” Royster said. “So he comes back at around 6:15 at night and demands his cell phone.”

When the woman demanded payment, Amaya produced a rusted machete and held it above his head in a threatening manner, Royster said.

“He doesn’t try to swing or attack or do any of that stuff, but just holds it in a threatening manner to both the person renting the room and her acquaintance inside the room,” Royster said.

He said the victims ran into the bathroom, locked the door and dialed 9-1-1, while Amaya fled the location.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kevin Amaya is asked to call the Palmdale Station at 272-2400.

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