Request leads brothers to engage in 'mutual combat'

FORT WALTON BEACH – A man is accused of punching his brother, then advancing on him with a butcher knife, lawmen say.

According to an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, the incident began when 31-year-old Thomas John Sanders asked his brother for $25.
His brother refused, speculating about what he might spend it on, and Sanders allegedly punched him in the face twice. 

The brother told a sheriff’s deputy that he initiated “mutual combat” by punching Sanders and pinning him to the ground. He let go when their parents came upon the scene.

Meanwhile, Sanders went into the kitchen and grabbed a butcher knife, advancing toward his brother, a deputy was told. Their father quickly disarmed Sanders, causing him to drop the knife in the kitchen sink.

Sanders was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, and battery. His plea date is Sept. 24.