Man defends knife attack using squeegee in Gas station fight

Posted: Oct 17, 2023 / 12:36 PM EDT

Updated: Oct 17, 2023 / 06:18 PM EDT

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The denial of a spare cigarette reportedly led to a confrontation where one man was struck in the head with a window squeegee at a Terre Haute gas station.

That’s according to court records regarding the arrest of 64-year-old Brian Wilcox. Arresting police said the incident occurred at the Marathon Gas Station in the 1200 block of Locust Street on October 11.

Police said Wilcox had been standing near the gas station’s entryway when he asked a customer for a spare cigarette. When the customer told Wilcox he didn’t have a cigarette, Wilcox reportedly cursed at the man before then threatening to kill him and spitting on him.

“[Victim] stated Brian had been standing by the entrance and when he passed him, Brian asked him for a cigarette. [Victim] informed me he told Brian he did not have a cigarette and Brian then stated, “F*** you b****.” [Victim] informed me he then laughed a little at Brian and when he laughed, Brian then stated, “I’ll kill you” and then spit on him.”
Probable Cause Affidavit filed in Vigo County Court

It was at this point that both the victim, a witness, and security footage reportedly confirmed that Wilcox pulled out a pocket knife and began to charge and swing at the victim. During the back and forth the victim’s cell phone reportedly fell from his pocket, with Police recovering the phone from Wilcox’s pocket.

The victim would end up using a window cleaning brush/squeegee to fend off the incoming bladed attacks. Police said the surveillance footage showed the victim striking Wilcox in the back of the head with the squeegee rod after backing away in a defensive motion.

When Police attempted to interview Wilcox about what happened, he refused to speak with them and demanded a lawyer.

Court records show that Wilcox has been charged with the following;