38-year-old Bunnell resident Tommy Banks was arrested by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office last week for an unusual and violent home break-in that he was accused of, in which he pulled a knife on his cousin and threw a chair…all over what he said was a laundry issue. As of Wednesday, Banks is still in the county jail on four felony charges.
According to a statement by the FCSO, Banks arrived at the residence in Palm Coast’s B Section on Saturday. The resident said Banks was inebriated and that he dialed 911 after knocking turned into kicking and shouting aggressively. He locked himself in his bedroom and waited for law enforcement to arrive.
At some point Banks is said to have kicked in the door, knocking it off its hinges. He then reportedly pulled out a pocket knife on the resident, who would later tell deputies he was Banks’ cousin. At this point, the two are said to have begun to fight in the hallway and eventually into the kitchen. Banks is then accused of having lifted up a chair and threw it at the victim, hitting his leg and foot. The struggle continued when the victim reportedly pepper-sprayed Banks.
When FCSO deputies arrived on-scene, they claimed to have seen Banks holding up a chair and threatening to hit the victim. He was ordered to set the chair back down on the floor, which deputies said he did do after multiple commands. He was arrested and both parties were questioned about the strange confrontation.
According to Banks, he had come to the residence in order to pick up some clothes that his cousin had washed for him the night before. He also apparently intended to sleep the night there. When deputies asked Banks why he thought he’d be allowed to stay over, they said he was unable to answer the question coherently. The argument, Banks said, started because the resident did not want him to be there.
Following his arrest, Banks was booked in the county jail on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, burglary with assault or battery, criminal mischief over $1,000, and battery in a second offense. He was denied bond as his latest arrest amounted to a violation of probation for a previous offense. Past charges levied against Banks in Flagler County include battery on a law enforcement officer, grand theft, racketeering, and home invasion with a deadly weapon.
Chris Gollon is a Flagler County resident since 2004, as well as a staple of the local independent music scene and avid observer of Central Florida politics, arts, and recreation.
