Crystal River man arrested charged with aggravated battery

Brett Carver

During the early morning hours of Feb. 17, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies responded to a home in Crystal River after the occupants claimed to have been attacked by a suspect armed with a knife.

The suspect, 26-year-old Brett Carver, was later located by deputies at a local hospital where he was seeking treatment for wounds he had received from his own weapon during the attack.

Detectives Casalvieri and Bang with the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) responded to the hospital and began an investigation.


Through their investigation detectives discovered that Carver had been living in the residence with the victim and witness. Carver had entered the residence shortly before the incident and confronted the other residents while making threats.  Carver then attacked the victim, cutting the victim once with a razor knife.

The CCSO said the witness attempted to intervene, resulting in a physical confrontation with Carver.

The witness, armed with a grill fork, chased Carver out of the residence. Carver fled, leaving behind the knife and other pieces of physical evidence corroborating the victim and witness statements.

“Carver made the choice to use violence in an attempt to resolve his disputes. This incident could have easily had a tragic ending,” said CCSO Sheriff Mike Prendergast.

“The quick arrest made by deputies has helped ensure the victim and the community’s safety. The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting and seeking justice for victims.”

Due to the suspect and the victim sharing a residence, Carver was placed under arrest at the hospital for Aggravated Domestic Battery and transported to the Citrus County jail.

He is being held without bond, per the bond schedule.