Cass County (trfnews.i234.me) — A man was arrested Thursday evening after police say he attacked his neighbor with a knife and a guitar during an altercation at an apartment complex.
Richard Thibert, who police say goes by “Bear,” was booked into the Cass County Jail. He faces charges of aggravated assault and terrorizing, according to court documents. The incident was reported around 7:37 p.m. at an apartment building.
What the police say happened
According to the report, the victim told officers he had been at Thibert’s apartment since about 5:30 p.m. The man said the two were drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana while playing guitar.
The victim described the interaction as friendly banter at first. He told police he made a comment that upset Thibert.
Police say Thibert then grabbed a folding knife and slashed at the man near his left thigh. The victim also reported an underhand stabbing motion toward his ribs.
After putting the knife down, Thibert allegedly picked up the victim’s guitar and struck him over the head with it, according to the report.
The victim told officers Thibert threatened to kill him if he called the police.
Injuries and evidence
The victim suffered a deep cut on the right side of his head. He was taken to a hospital for evaluation and possible stitches.
Investigators reported blood spatter on the guitar. The guitar also had a crack in its frame. Officers collected evidence, including the knife and guitar. Police also seized a marijuana pipe that Thibert admitted to using, along with a shirt that appeared to have blood on it.
Crime scene investigators collected blood samples from the guitar and shirt for testing, according to the report.
Richard Thibert (trfnews.i234.me)
Arrest details
When officers arrived, police say Thibert initially denied knowing the victim and did not answer questions about the incident.
Police confirmed Thibert’s identity after calling a phone number the victim provided. Officers reported the phone rang inside Thibert’s apartment and was visible to them.
Police say Thibert later allowed officers into the apartment to collect items as evidence.
Background
The two men had been neighbors for about six months. The victim told police they had a joking relationship, but he also said he had noticed “red flags” in Thibert’s behavior when alcohol was involved.
Thibert remains in custody pending court proceedings. Charges are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
