NJ police arrest three allegedly caught on tape in "vicious" machete attack

(CBS/WCBS) PATERSON, N.J. - Police said Wednesday they have arrested three men who were caught on tape attacking two people in a New Jersey restaurant, chopping at one victim with a machete.

The Paterson Police Department turned to social media during the search for suspects Tyree Seegers, Omar Villota and Johel Gomez by posting the shocking video of the attack on its Facebook page, reports CBS station WCBS.

The incident reportedly took place on Sept. 10 at the U.S. Chicken restaurant at 194 Straight Street. Police say the "vicious assault" began just before 4 a.m.

According to WCBS, the first victim was attempting to walk out of the restaurant when he was confronted in the doorway by two men. Police say Villota then came up behind him and pistol whipped him in the back of the head.

The three attackers then exited into the street.

A short time later, the trio reentered the restaurant struggling with a second victim. The victim can be seen on tape being punched, allegedly by Gomez, WCBS reports. Police say Seegers then pulled out a machete and began hacking at the victim.

Although Seegers can be seen on tape hacking at the victim at least 14 times, police say the victim was not seriously injured in the attack. However, Seegers did manage to hit his co-attacker.

During one of his swings, Seegers chops into Villota, who is pistol-whipping the victim, WCBS reports. Seegers nearly severs Villota's right arm, leaving a blood trail that the cops used to track them down.

Paterson Police Capt. Heriberto Rodriguez says the reason victim is still alive is because Seegers was lousy with the machete, WCBS reports.

"The one time he swung it straight and effectively, he hit his own counterpart, his own friend," Rodriguez said.

Police say they are still seeking the first victim and want him to come forward.

Police told WCBS that neither attack appeared to be provoked.