GALVESTON, Texas – A man has been arrested after being accused of violently assaulting a 20-year-old autistic man while he was fishing along the shoreline of Galveston Island, the Galveston Police Department announced Wednesday.
The suspect, 31-year-old Carl Utley III, is facing charges of aggravated robbery in connection with the assault.
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Utley, a convicted violent felon, has a history of criminal activity, including a prior conviction for sexual assault of a child, police said. He is also awaiting sentencing on charges of aggravated robbery and felon in possession of a firearm in an unrelated case.
What happened
The incident happened around 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 6, when the victim was fishing. Utley reportedly approached him and without provocation, began repeatedly hitting him in the face and body.
After the brutal attack, police said Utley stole the man’s fishing equipment and fled the scene, leaving him injured and bleeding.
The victim’s mother later found him and immediately rushed him to the hospital, where he began his recovery.
“This was a senseless and cowardly attack on a vulnerable young man in our community,” said Chief Doug Balli. “Kai endured unimaginable violence, and thanks to the hard work of our officers and federal partners, the person responsible has been apprehended. We are committed to seeing justice served.”
The Galveston Police Department urges anyone with additional information about this case to contact investigators at 409-765-3702 or provide anonymous tips through Galveston Crime Stoppers at 409-763-TIPS (8477).