Knife fight erupts over child support
A Riverview man was stabbed in the head Thursday morning during a tussle with his daughter’s boyfriend over child support payments.
The victim, Ted Herrington, was treated at River Park Hospital for cuts to his head and back, injuries which are not apparently life-threatening. The alleged knife-wielder, Billy Kyle Hickey, was arrested at the scene and charged with aggravated assault, a crime which can carry three to six years in prison.
According to McMinnville police officer Lisa Norris, the incident happened just before 10 a.m. Thursday at Herrington’s residence on Riverview Street located just outside downtown McMinnville toward Mt. Leo.
During interviews with the combatants, it was determined Hickey went to the residence with his girlfriend, April Herrington, who is the victim’s daughter. The couple went to the residence to confront Mr. Herrington on suspicions he had received, cashed, and spent his daughter’s child support checks without giving her any of the proceeds.
Hickey reportedly slashed Mr. Herrington’s tires when he arrived, before entering the house and asking to speak with the victim. Mr. Herrington was reportedly warned Hickey had a knife concealed on his person, prompting the victim to arm himself with a butcher knife from his kitchen. Hickey had reportedly brought a steak knife with him and had it concealed in his clothing. Police suspect Hickey and his girlfriend arrived at the residence expecting a confrontation.
A fight then ensued between Hickey and Mr. Herrington, during which the victim’s two wounds were suffered. Hickey was not stabbed during the struggle.