Bradenton man charged in daylight stabbing on 14th Street West

A 66-year-old Bradenton man with a lengthy arrest history for violent behavior was arrested Tuesday after he stabbed another man in the chest, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say James Williams stabbed the victim around noon in the 2700 block of 14th Street West.

According to the arrest report, Williams and the victim were arguing when Williams struck the victim with a flag. That led to a brief fight.

Williams told deputies he stabbed the man in self defense, but video surveillance showed the victim trying to disengage and that Williams chased him down and stabbed him twice in the chest, according to the report.

Deputies arrived to find the victim bleeding from an “open wound” to his chest.

Williams was booked into the Manatee County jail and charged with using a deadly weapon. He remains in custody on a $10,000 bond pending a future court date.