Florida woman had 3700 weapons with blades in house, terrified neighbours
Date September 18, 2015 - 1:21PM
Authorities found more than 3700 bladed weapons in the home of Nickcole Dykema. Photo: Hernando County Sheriff's Office
When authorities showed up at Nickcole Ellen Fay Dykema's mobile home near Florida's west coast, she peered from a broken window and then disappeared, cursing and telling them to leave.
Inside, she was hiding what seemed to be a satanic shrine, masks and bogus body parts, and 3700 weapons with blades, Hernando County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.
When deputies forced their way in, she grabbed a large sword, they said.
A shrine found in the home of Nickcole Dykema. Photo: Hernando County Sheriff's Office
"She stuck the knife through the front door and attempted to stab Sgt [Chris] Calderon in the face and head," spokeswoman Denise Moloney with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office told The Washington Post.
Dykema, 47, has been charged with probation violation, property damage/criminal mischief, resisting an officer without violence and assault on an officer.
Hernando County deputies went to assist probation and parole officers trying to serve numerous arrest warrants at Dykema's home in Brooksville, Florida, on Tuesday.
A shrine in the home of Nickcole Dykema. Photo: Hernando County Sheriff's Office
Police said the violation was for carrying a concealed weapon by a convicted felon.
She was on probation for stealing kitchen knives from a dollar store last year,WTSP-TV reported.
She is now being held without bail.
Nickcole Dykema. Photo: Hernando County Sheriff's Office
When deputies went to arrest her this week, she barricaded the door. As they tried to force their way in, she poked out a sword or machete and swung it at a sergeant, "missing his face and head by only inches", police said.
Inside, "deputies observed a set of feet standing in the corner of the mobile home, possibly hiding under or behind a blanket", it read.
"Deputies also observed a long, silver, shiny sword waving around behind the blanket. Again, deputies ordered the individual to come out with her hands up.
"She refused and moved towards the deputies."
Deputies used a bean bag gun to take her into custody but she ran into a room with knives, machetes and swords, armed herself and approached them, police said.
When she refused to put down the weapons, deputies fired again. Finally, deputies used a Taser, according to the police statement.
Police said she was not injured during the arrest.
Over the past two days, police said investigators have seized 3714 bladed weapons - many of which appeared to be "booby trapped" - causing minor injuries to those who dismantled and removed them.
"How did she get all of those knives?" neighbour Fuzz Spisok told WTSP-TV.
"I was just petrified all the time," Dorothy Clagg, another neighbour, told the TV news station.
"She had a habit of banging on the inside of her house all the time on the walls, and screaming and hollering."
The case is still under investigation.
"This person was obviously dangerous to the community," Sheriff Al Nienhuis said.
"It amazes me that these deputies were able to take her into custody without anyone being injured. It shows the level of their restraint and professionalism under very difficult and dangerous conditions.
"Had something gone wrong, it would be easy for critics to accuse them of moving too quickly or too slowly. I appreciate their willingness to deal with these very volatile situations. I know the public appreciates them as well."
Washington Post
