Gainesville man charged after entering neighbor's home
Thomas Wesley Burch faces burglary and assault charges after allegedly forcing his way inside a residence on NW 43rd Street.
By Elena Perry ·
A dispute between neighbors in Gainesville escalated into a physical confrontation inside a home on November 1. Thomas Wesley Burch, 33, is accused of forcing his entry and threatening a male occupant, leading to his arrest the following day.
Gainesville Police Department officers arrived near the 1800 block of NW 43rd Street at 10:45 a.m. on November 1. The female victim reported that Burch approached a female witness outside the house. He then moved toward the side entrance, stating he wanted to speak with the male victim.
According to police reports, Burch pushed past the witness and the female victim to enter the residence. The female victim sustained an injury to her foot during the struggle. Inside, Burch yelled at the male victim while the female victim attempted to restrain him.
The male victim described Burch as assuming a fighting stance and clenching his fists. The female victim called 911, and Burch left the house after the call was placed. He later approached the responding officer and admitted to entering the home.
During questioning, Burch stated he did not intend to fight and only wanted to talk. He admitted to calling the male victim a "pussy" and described his own behavior as "very animated." The witness said she believed Burch used "fighting words" and intended to fight.
Burch has been charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling and assault. He has no prior criminal history. Judge Joy Danne ordered him held without bail pending a hearing on a state attorney's motion to keep him in custody until trial. If that motion is denied, bail will be set at the hearing.
The charges are based on law enforcement reports and court records. They are accusations, and Burch is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
