A Galveston man, Thomas Gilchrist, has been arrested after police say he stabbed a minor multiple times at an apartment complex on Cove View Boulevard. The violent altercation occurred Wednesday night, leading to a widespread police response.
Witness Accounts
One resident of the complex, who preferred to remain anonymous, described the intense police activity, noting, “I saw cops with flashlights looking underneath cars, so obviously they were in pursuit of someone.” Another resident, Amy Sears, who lives nearby, heard shouting that night but was unsure of its cause at the time.
Gilchrist’s Version of Events
According to court documents, Gilchrist explained that the juvenile, who was reportedly “having an episode” and was “extremely angry,” had first confronted him. Gilchrist stated that he attempted to avoid the minor by getting into a car, but the victim managed to strike him.
After returning to his apartment and locking himself inside, Gilchrist claimed the minor followed him, punched him upon opening the door, and this led him to stab the victim in self-defense.
Witness Testimonies
Further investigation revealed conflicting statements. A witness who spoke with detectives expressed doubts about Gilchrist’s self-defense claim, suggesting that he was intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Injuries and Charges
The juvenile was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The relationship between Gilchrist and the victim remains unclear. Gilchrist has been charged with aggravated assault, and a bond of $150,000 has been recommended.
Community Reaction
The stabbing has left the local community shaken, with residents expressing their concerns, especially those who had previously felt the area was safe. Sears, a woman living alone in the complex, stated, “For something like this to happen… it’s really shocking.”
