Inset: Tristian Thomas (McLennan County Jail). Background: Motel in Bellmead, Texas, where Thomas allegedly beat up a man (Google Maps).
A Texas man is accused of assaulting someone already suffering from a traumatic brain injury — allegedly over a crude remark about a woman.
And when cops arrested the suspect, he allegedly threatened them from the back of the patrol car, saying “have fun dying.”
Court records show 20-year-old Tristian Thomas remains in the McLennan County Jail on charges of injury to a disabled person, burglary, obstruction and terroristic threats against a police officer.
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Local CBS affiliate KWTX obtained an arrest affidavit that said Thomas punched the victim, threw him to the ground and started stomping on him. The victim reportedly suffered a broken ankle along with injuries to his left ear and cheek. The incident occurred May 18 in the 1300 block of Behrens Circle in Bellmead, which is outside Waco.
The victim said he didn’t remember the incident due to his pre-existing brain injury but detectives reportedly obtained video that showed the incident. They were able to identify Thomas as the apparent perpetrator.
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Thomas is additionally accused of trying to influence a witness who saw the beating. Cops arrested Thomas that same day during a traffic stop.
He proceeded to go on an alleged rant once in the back of the patrol vehicle.
Thomas is accused of saying: “Have fun dying. I’m gonna make sure your a— gets shot, motherf—er.”
In a post-Miranda interview with investigators, Thomas reportedly admitted to assaulting the victim. He claimed the victim made rude comments about a woman, which led to a fight, according to the affidavit.
Thomas has a $26,000 bond. Records did not list an attorney.
