Alachua County, FL – A New Year’s Day dispute inside an Alachua County home escalated into a violent stabbing, sending one person to the hospital and ending with the arrest of a convicted felon, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
According to deputies, the incident occurred during the morning hours of Thursday, January 1, 2026, at a residence in the 2000 block of SE 45th Terrace, just outside the Gainesville area. Deputies were dispatched after reports that a person had been stabbed during a physical altercation inside the home.
Investigators said multiple victims and witnesses were contacted at the scene. One victim, who reportedly had visible injuries, told deputies that 44-year-old Thomas Sanford allegedly became involved in a verbal dispute with another person inside the home and made threats to kill them. When the victim attempted to intervene, Sanford allegedly grabbed a large knife and stabbed the victim before throwing them across a table.
According to the sheriff’s office, another individual attempted to help the victim but was allegedly pushed by Sanford. A separate witness, not directly involved in the fight, contacted law enforcement as the incident unfolded.
When deputies arrived, Sanford allegedly attempted to evade arrest by moving into another room and refusing repeated verbal commands to exit the home. Deputies warned that a K9 would be deployed if he continued to resist. Sanford was ultimately apprehended by a law enforcement K9 and transported to a local hospital before being medically cleared and booked into the Alachua County Jail.
A records check revealed Sanford is a convicted felon with prior convictions, including Intimidating/Forcing a Witness, Carrying a Concealed Firearm, and two battery convictions.
Sanford was charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Felony Battery with Prior Convictions, and Resisting Without Violence. The investigation remains ongoing.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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