GALVESTON — A 31-year-old Galveston man has been arrested and charged with aggravated robbery in connection with the assault of a 20-year-old autistic man while he was fishing on the island earlier this month, according to a Facebook post from Galveston Police Chief Douglas Balli.

Police identified the suspect as Carl Utley III of Galveston. He allegedly struck the victim, Kai Kirk, multiple times and stole his fishing equipment on August 6, 2025. The attack left the victim bleeding on the ground.

Utley has a prior conviction for sexual assault of a child and is awaiting sentencing in another case for aggravated robbery and felon in possession of a firearm, Balli said.

The arrest was carried out by the Galveston Police Street Crimes Unit, along with the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force. Detective Matthew Larson led the investigation that resulted in Utley’s arrest.

“Thanks to the teamwork of our Street Crimes Unit and federal partners, Kai and his family can begin to see justice served,” Balli wrote.

Balli described Utley as “exactly the type of predator we will never allow to prey on our community” and emphasized the department’s commitment to protecting vulnerable residents.

Utley is being held in the Galveston County Jail pending further legal proceedings.

Photo credit: Sex Offender Registry