Homeless Man Arrested for Stabbing Attack in New Smyrna Beach

New Smyrna Beach, Florida – In a shocking incident on Wednesday night, New Smyrna Beach police apprehended a homeless man for assaulting another homeless man with a large knife. The incident took place in the 100 block of Canal Street near Riverside Park at approximately 8:45 p.m.

According to eyewitnesses, the attacker, described as a white man wearing black pants and a red hoodie, fled the scene before the arrival of the police officers. However, the diligent officers managed to locate the suspect based on a witness’s description.

The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Joshua Coulter, was found lying on the ground across the street from the crime scene. The officers noticed that Coulter matched the description provided by the witness. As they approached him, they discovered a red-handled kitchen knife with a blade measuring approximately 10 inches in his pocket. Both Coulter’s hands and the recovered knife were covered in blood.

Authorities stated that Coulter appeared to be heavily intoxicated and was making incoherent statements. Meanwhile, investigators located the victim inside Yellow Dog Eats, where he was found sitting in a chair near the restrooms. A trail of blood led to him, and his right leg, shoe, and sock were drenched in blood.

The victim, who suffered from a leg injury, recounted the incident to the police. He identified Coulter as his attacker, referring to him as “Josh.” The motive behind the attack remains unclear, as the victim could not recall the initial reason for the disagreement, simply stating that the suspect “got salty.” However, the victim mentioned that Coulter’s knife broke during the assault, potentially saving him from additional injuries.

The victim, whose injuries were deemed non-life-threatening, was promptly transported to Halifax Health for medical treatment.

During the investigation, officers discovered another victim in the vicinity who claimed to have been assaulted by Coulter without provocation while at the New Smyrna Beach Brewery.

Joshua Coulter was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the New Smyrna Beach Police Department. He has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, battery, and resisting an officer without violence.

Coulter is currently held at the Volusia County jail on a bond totaling $12,000.

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