A Galveston man has been arrested after allegedly stabbing a minor several times during an altercation at a local apartment complex.
Police confirmed the incident took place on Wednesday night at a property in the 3100 block of Cove View Boulevard.
One resident, who asked not to be identified, said:
“I saw officers with torches looking underneath cars, so it was obvious they were pursuing someone. It’s horrific. A young person should never have to go through a stabbing.”
The suspect has been identified as Thomas Gilchrist.
According to court documents, the victim was “having an episode and was extremely angry” when the confrontation began. Gilchrist told detectives he attempted to avoid the juvenile by getting into a car, but claimed the minor still struck him.
Neighbour Amy Sears, who also lives in the complex, recalled:
“I heard a bit of yelling that night, but I wasn’t sure what it was.”
Gilchrist reportedly told investigators he returned to his apartment and locked the door, but alleged the victim followed and punched him as he opened it. He then admitted pulling out a knife and stabbing the minor multiple times.
However, detectives noted in their report that another witness disputed his account, saying she did not believe Gilchrist acted in self-defence and that he had been intoxicated at the time.
Police confirmed the juvenile was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The relationship between the two has not been disclosed.
The incident has left neighbours unsettled.
“Especially being a woman living alone in what’s always felt like a safe community — it’s really shocking,” Sears said.
Gilchrist has been charged with aggravated assault, and prosecutors have recommended a bond of $150,000.
