GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Thomas Wesley Burch, 33, was arrested yesterday after allegedly forcing his way into a neighbor’s home and threatening to fight one of the occupants.
At approximately 10:45 a.m. on November 1, a Gainesville Police Department officer responded to a residence near the 1800 block of NW 43rd Street. A female victim told police that Burch had come to the home and confronted a female witness outside. The victim directed the witness to go inside, while Burch moved toward a side entrance and said he wanted to speak with the male victim.
As the witness entered, Burch allegedly pushed past her and the female victim. The woman’s foot was injured in the process. Burch then entered the residence as the female victim and the witness pushed against the door in an effort to prevent him from coming farther inside.
After seeing the male victim, Burch reportedly repeated that he needed to speak with him. He then allegedly began shouting at the man while the female victim tried to restrain him.
The male victim told officers that Burch clenched his fists, took a fighting stance and yelled at him in an aggressive manner. Burch left the home after the female victim called 911.
According to police, Burch approached the responding officer and acknowledged entering the residence. After being read his Miranda rights, Burch reportedly said he had not intended to fight the male victim and only wanted to talk. He denied acting aggressively, though he admitted calling the male victim a “pussy” and said he had been “very animated,” behavior that could have appeared threatening.
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The male victim said Burch’s angry demeanor and aggressive stance caused him to fear that Burch intended to hurt him.
The witness reportedly told police that Burch used “fighting words” and that she believed he entered the home intending to fight the male victim.
Burch faces charges of burglary of an occupied dwelling and assault. He has no prior criminal history. Judge Joy Danne ordered him held without bail while awaiting a hearing on a State Attorney’s Office motion seeking to keep him jailed without bail through trial. If the motion is denied, bail will be determined at that hearing.