Xavier Thomas, Fla. Father, Stabbed His 6-Year-Old Son More Than 20 Times, Say Police

TAMPA, Fla. (CBS/AP) Xavier Thomas, a Tampa father with a history of mental illness, has been charged with attempted murder after he allegedly stabbed his 6-year-old son more than 20 times.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Dept. is holding the 23-year-old Thomas without bond after he allegedly stabbed Xavier Thomas Jr. in the back, chest, neck and arm during a New Year's Eve party, reports The Tampa Tribune.

After watching New Year's Eve fireworks with relatives late Friday, Thomas took his son to a play area in the apartment complex. When Thomas returned a half-hour later without the child, his relatives began to ask questions.

Thomas fled on foot, but was found walking a short time later.

As deputies arrived at the scene, the blood-covered child emerged from the play area.

Authorities said the child's injuries were not life-threatening.

The elder Thomas' grandmother Yvonne Mickles told The Tampa Tribune that her grandson had been coping with mental problems since he saw two of his friends shot to death in two separate incidents.

"One of the boys died in his arms," Mickles said.

Mickles claims Thomas was treated for the trauma as recently as six weeks ago.