LORIS, SOUTH CAROLINA — A man attempting to intervene in a domestic dispute was shot several times with his own firearm on Sunday evening. The assailant, identified as 31-year-old Joseph Tobias Thomas, was apprehended on Monday and is facing charges including attempted murder, domestic violence, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He is detained at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center without bond.
The altercation took place around 7:30 p.m. near Bryant and Main streets. A Loris police officer arrived to find a silver van and two individuals arguing, witnessing Thomas shoot at the van with the victim inside before retreating into a house. Despite a perimeter and a special operations team’s intervention, Thomas was not immediately found but was later arrested.
The victim, on his way to get food, intervened upon seeing Thomas assault a woman. During the altercation, Thomas managed to seize the victim’s gun and shoot him. The victim’s current condition remains undisclosed, while authorities have recovered a firearm believed to be involved from nearby woods. The incident, including the assault on the woman, was reportedly captured on security cameras.
Getting involved in a domestic dispute can be dangerous business, as they can be some of the ugliest incidents that police respond to. The desire to help someone in need is admirable, but doing so in a way that doesn’t allow your firearm to be taken from you is, well, essential.
