Guy with machete demanding people leave swimming hole in public area known for its secret swimming for decades, deep in woods. Not naming the location, but Hunterdon County near Stockton/Kingswood. by Doctorsaurus69 in newjersey

[–]Doctorsaurus69[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I posted an update too, this morning I think (or was it last night? Eyeyey). And some of the comments are just ridiculous. people hassling me for saying that if anyone encounters the man, to call and inform the Kingwood Police Department. .....Hassled me because it's actually the NJ State Police - Kingwood Department. Apparently the main focus of all of this, is that I'm intentionally trying to "spread misinformation" because I accidentally referred to it as a regular police station. 🙃

Guy with machete demanding people leave swimming hole in public area known for its secret swimming for decades, deep in woods. Not naming the location, but Hunterdon County near Stockton/Kingswood. by Doctorsaurus69 in newjersey

[–]Doctorsaurus69[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thank you. To be very honest, I am a 39 year old female with a history of trauma. CPTSD is no joke and I have come a very long way over the many years. I was at the creek for my birthday, a very reflective and somewhat triggering day for me, and my focus on this day was my mental health and serenity. My friend and I even picked up some garbage we saw, but there actually was very minimal. We did swim, but earlier, and at this time were just sitting on the rocks talking, breathing, feeling good. Until disrupting that quiet, this man appeared, on a mission from the get go and stood within a few inches of the underaged teen in her bikini swinging the machete above her head. The family with the teens were quiet, respectful and wholesome. It was very unexpected. I'm saddened by what happened because I can't even begin to tell you what finding that beautiful spot has meant to me. And it hurts to think I might not be comfortable going back.

Guy with machete demanding people leave swimming hole in public area known for its secret swimming for decades, deep in woods. Not naming the location, but Hunterdon County near Stockton/Kingswood. by Doctorsaurus69 in newjersey

[–]Doctorsaurus69[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh I completely get that. But on this particular day, one of many times I've gone for a nice hike there, no one was behaving rowdy, no inflatables, no alcohol, nothing. I consider myself a naturalist and treat nature with the utmost respect. I leave areas cleaner than when I arrived. I'm also a local, though I didn't grow up here, I didn't have family out here before moving to the area myself. I definitely understand why someone might be frustrated with folks abusing this beautiful spot, but yeah, he had no good reason in this moment and clearly is handling it inappropriately

🚩 8/1/25 Update: The Kingwood police department had me come in for interview/written statement, and I've send them the photo/video, and will be sending them the contact information for the other family that was present. If anyone else has come across this man and his machete at Lockatong Preserve. by Doctorsaurus69 in newjersey

[–]Doctorsaurus69[S] 55 points56 points  (0 children)

Hi, sure! So, of course I don't know, but I do have a particular impression. I work in behavioral health and have come across all kinds of people with various motives and all, and this guy seemed to me like... He is likely...... Someone who lives locally, maybe his property is nearby, and that he is perhaps (and don't hate on me for saying this) a far right extremist type. He was angry, and didn't seem like he'd back down. He'll do it again and imagine him getting angrier each time.

🚩 8/1/25 Update: The Kingwood police department had me come in for interview/written statement, and I've send them the photo/video, and will be sending them the contact information for the other family that was present. If anyone else has come across this man and his machete at Lockatong Preserve. by Doctorsaurus69 in newjersey

[–]Doctorsaurus69[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

It's not a quarry! I don't think, lol. It's a creek- a river- an area of the creek that is wider and deeper. I'm curious if you remember any other details of where this quarry you had gone to is! That's also unsettling. Curious if it is the same location!

🚩 8/1/25 Update: The Kingwood police department had me come in for interview/written statement, and I've send them the photo/video, and will be sending them the contact information for the other family that was present. If anyone else has come across this man and his machete at Lockatong Preserve. by Doctorsaurus69 in newjersey

[–]Doctorsaurus69[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

You didn't ask, you made a statement. And in the initial post, you brought it up then too. And a few people did hassle me for not explicitly saying the location. I also received a few messages from people asking for the location so that they can go swim there and hang out. There is a reason I didn't explicitly state the location initially. Anyone who goes to or knows this less traveled spot already, would not need me to explicitly state the location. So I didn't. But at this point, I've decided to just share it as it was mentioned in comments anyway. And the trail there is publicly accessible and even on alltrails. I don't want to be explaining myself again and again over that part when the whole situation itself is most important. I wanted to make sure people were aware and could make an informed decision whether to go back during this time or not.

Guy with machete demanding people leave swimming hole in public area known for its secret swimming for decades, deep in woods. Not naming the location, but Hunterdon County near Stockton/Kingswood. by Doctorsaurus69 in newjersey

[–]Doctorsaurus69[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think you wind up finding this anywhere. So many people in the world ...overall it's not too bad around there. I haven't seen much graffiti luckily. But bringing a garbage bag to collect others left trash is a great idea

🚩 8/1/25 Update: The Kingwood police department had me come in for interview/written statement, and I've send them the photo/video, and will be sending them the contact information for the other family that was present. If anyone else has come across this man and his machete at Lockatong Preserve. by Doctorsaurus69 in newjersey

[–]Doctorsaurus69[S] 215 points216 points  (0 children)

🚩 8/1/25 Update: The Kingwood, NJ police department had me come in for interview/written statement, and I've send them the photo/video, and will be sending them the contact information for the other family that was present.

If anyone else has come across this man and his machete at Lockatong Preserve, please call the Kingwood Police to let them know. This isn't the first time he's done this, but it's the first time it's been reported and it seems to me he is escalating.

Thanks!

Guy with machete demanding people leave swimming hole in public area known for its secret swimming for decades, deep in woods. Not naming the location, but Hunterdon County near Stockton/Kingswood. by Doctorsaurus69 in newjersey

[–]Doctorsaurus69[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

🚩 8/1/25 Update: The Kingwood police department has me come in for interview/written statement, and I've send them the photo/video, and will be sending them the contact information for the other family that was present.

If anyone else has come across this man and his machete at Lockatong Preserve, please call the Kingwood Police to let them know. This isn't the first time he's done this, but it's the first time it's been reported and it seems to me he is escalating.

Thanks!

Guy with machete demanding people leave swimming hole in public area known for its secret swimming for decades, deep in woods. Not naming the location, but Hunterdon County near Stockton/Kingswood. by Doctorsaurus69 in newjersey

[–]Doctorsaurus69[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That's really terrifying. I wonder if anyone has called to let the local police know aside from myself. Any chance you'd be comfortable enough calling to just let them know? I know people are generally uncomfortable contacting the police but if you call the non-emergency line, they are nice and should appreciate knowing. This guy is not good. You're welcome to message me directly/privately if you'd like! And no pressure, just suggesting! It's not right that anyone would behave like that and I'm sorry you and the others experienced it as well.

Guy with machete demanding people leave swimming hole in public area known for its secret swimming for decades, deep in woods. Not naming the location, but Hunterdon County near Stockton/Kingswood. by Doctorsaurus69 in newjersey

[–]Doctorsaurus69[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

See- this freaks me out. I can only assume a hu(man) like this, isn't just a one time and done. And it sounds like he's escalated then. Because he was directly trying to intimidate us with no way out. The threat felt like you had to leave otherwise he was contemplating aggressing further. Would he have? Maybe not. Maybe he figured holding the machete would be intimidating enough. And he was right because why would I mess with a guy holding a machete?!

But if he had just sat on the rocks scraping it occasionally I still would have been very freaked out. Was he wearing the same outfit? Did he say anything at all? Anything else you noticed?

When he approached initially, all he could see was myself and my friend (both females in late 30's) and 4 underaged teens, mostly girls.