Aggravated Assault Case Dismissed in Central Mall Incident

Monday, April 13, 2026 at 5:36 AM

A Bowie County judge has dismissed an aggravated assault charge against a man accused of attacking a Central Mall employee in 2024.

A Bowie County judge has dismissed an aggravated assault charge against a man accused of attacking a Central Mall employee in 2024.

According to the Bowie County District Attorney’s Office, Judge John Tidwell dismissed the charge against Daniel Lynn Thomas on March 19. Prosecutors say the case was dropped because they could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Thomas committed the offense.

The incident happened January 20, 2024, when police say two teenage boys became verbally abusive after being told to stop playing on mall rental equipment. Authorities say the teens later returned with Thomas, who allegedly punched employee Richard Houff Jr. multiple times before leaving.

Houff suffered serious injuries and required facial surgery, according to his family.

Thomas’ attorney declined to comment.

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Aggravated Assault Case Dismissed in Central Mall Incident

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