LEESBURG, Fla. — A man is facing multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, after allegedly stabbing a victim nine times at a park in Eustis and later attacking another individual in Leesburg.
James Edward Thompson, 32, remains in custody at the Lake County Jail without bond. His charges also include aggravated battery, battery against a law enforcement officer, and resisting arrest with violence.
The events unfolded Tuesday afternoon when police responded to reports of a stabbing at Ferran Park in Eustis. A witness recounted an encounter with Brandon Slaton, the victim, who approached her seeking help. According to police, Slaton was found injured on a park bench, exhibiting several knife wounds, which he confirmed to an arriving officer.
Witnesses described seeing Thompson approach Slaton while he was seated, leading to a physical altercation in a grassy area near the park’s fountain. After the attack, Thompson fled the scene, prompting a search by law enforcement that included a K-9 unit and a helicopter, although he was not located at that time.
Slaton was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was treated for extensive injuries and later reported to be in stable condition. Following the stabbing, investigators visited Open Door, a local homeless assistance center, where a witness recognized Thompson after he reportedly entered the facility with blood on his hands and disposed of evidence, including clothing.
Detectives collected the bloody garments, and further investigation linked Thompson to surveillance footage from the park. Medical personnel treating Slaton confirmed he had sustained multiple stab wounds.
Later that day, Thompson was spotted in Leesburg. A resident reported that an individual, later identified as Thompson, identified himself as “James” while rummaging through her backyard. Shortly after, police received another report from the same area, indicating that Thompson had attacked Randy Banks. Officers found Banks with severe injuries, including a visible head wound indicative of blunt force trauma.
As law enforcement was attending to Banks, they received a second call from another nearby resident who reported Thompson was at her front door. When officers confronted Thompson, he initially complied but later attempted to flee, resulting in the use of a Taser to subdue him.
In addition to the charges stemming from the assaults in Eustis and Leesburg, Thompson is also facing allegations related to a violation of his probation. Records show he had previously been sentenced to three years’ probation for an incident involving a different police encounter.
Thompson, currently held without bond, will face serious legal consequences if convicted of the charges against him. The community remains on alert as authorities continue to investigate the incidents surrounding his alleged violent behavior.