Homeless man threatens victim with hatchet in Burbank park, police say

BURBANK, Calif. (KABC) -- A homeless man was arrested on Wednesday after police said he threatened a man with a hatchet in a Burbank park.

Burbank police said the incident happened at McCambridge Recreation Center located at 1515 N. Glenoaks Blvd.

"The victim said he felt threatened. The individual approached him. They do not know each other, according to the victim, and with the hatchet over his head he was threatening the victim," Sgt. Claudio Losacco with the Burbank Police Department said.

Police said 42-year-old Leo Cox was arrested and taken into custody. He's a transient who is known to spend time in and around the park, according to officials.

"Leo's a homeless guy who lives in those bushes over there by the Carl's Jr., and he gets a little schizophrenic I guess and starts yelling loud and talking to himself and I guess that kind of scares people around here," said Phil Herrera, a fellow transient in Burbank.

According to Herrera, Cox is typically quiet and peaceful.

"When he's on his meds he's looking at his phone, watching videos, having a good time, but when he's not, he's talking to somebody who's not there," he said.

Herrera believes that may have been the case on Tuesday.

"He was kind of walking around with a hatchet though. He had a big hatchet. I don't think that's allowed. You know, a concealed hatchet is probably not a good idea," Herrera said.