One man hospitalized, one jailed, after dispute over messy mobile home in Pasco County

MOON LAKE — Authorities say Thomas James Carter was ready to fight — and that he landed one blow so hard that the victim had swelling and bleeding of the brain that required surgery.

According to a report from the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, Carter, 20, threatened to fight Richard Gibson on Nov. 14 at the home they share in Moon Lake Estates. The two were arguing in the driveway about the cleanliness of their mobile home at 10548 Olsen St., the report said.

Gibson, 25, said he did not want to fight and began to walk away.

Witnesses told deputies that Carter went after Gibson and punched him on the side of the head while Gibson wasn't looking. Gibson was eventually flown to Tampa General Hospital, where he underwent brain surgery for his injuries.

Carter told deputies he pushed Gibson but did not punch him. Carter was arrested Wednesday on a charge of aggravated battery and remains at the Land O'Lakes jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.