An argument over household bills allegedly spurred a 56-year-old Cortezian to strike his roommate with a meat cleaver.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office arrested Fred L. Gilliland July 31 for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after he allegedly grabbed a 6-inch meat cleaver and struck his male roommate, causing a 3- to 4-inch laceration to the back of the victim’s head.
According to an MCSO report, Gilliland then followed the victim outside on the 10300 block of Cortez Road West, pushed him to the ground and pummeled him with his fists.
The roommate fought his way to stand up and went to a friend’s house, where they called 911.
The MCSO deputy spoke to the victim at the hospital, where he’d been transported for treatment, and was told the victim had known Gilliland for about 30 years. The roommate initially declined to press charges, but changed his mind, according to the MCSO report.
The deputy arrested Gilliland at his residence and he was transported to jail.
He posted a $10,000 bond and was released.
At his first court appearance, Gilliland was appointed a public defender and ordered not to contact the victim, but allowed to retrieve property from their residence with law enforcement present.
Gilliland’s arraignment is set for Sept. 4 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.