[GA] Cpt. Thomas " jabbed her in the side with the pistol and threatened to kill her"

...Investigators say Thomas then pressed a handgun into Odam's back and other parts of her body several times... She reported an altercation occurred and that Captain Thomas jabbed her in the side with the pistol and threatened to kill her... Pat Thomas was arrested for aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime... Public Safety Director Funderburke stated that Captain Thomas's suspension pending termination began on Monday...

Police officer charged with aggravated assault
WALB-TV
Sarah Baldwin sarah.baldwin@walb.com
June 30, 2008
Captain Pat Thomas is a full-time Bainbridge Public Safety officer and a part-time officer with Donalsonville PD. Seminole county deputies and the GBI arrested Thomas Friday night after he apparently followed a Donalsonville city clerk, Kim Odham, from work. He called her on her cell phone and she pulled over on highway 39 to talk to him. Investigators say Thomas then pressed a handgun into Odham's back and other parts of her body several times. The case will be presented to the grand jury in October. [LINK]

POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH ASSAULT
The Post-Searchlight
By: Mary Frances Donalson mfdnews@e-postprint.com
06/28/2008
Bainbridge Public Safety Capt. Patrick Thomas, who was charged Friday with aggravated assault on a Donalsonville female city employee, was freed Monday under $15,000 bond... According to the sheriff, an altercation occurred Friday afternoon between Thomas and Kim Odom, a Donalsonville city clerk, Seminole County Board of Education member and a former administrative assistant with the City of Bainbridge's Community Development Department, whom he had been dating. The incident occurred sometime between 5 and 6 p.m. at a location in Seminole County. During the argument, Thomas allegedly threatened Odom with a Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol... Odom later reported the incident to the Donalsonville Police Department, where Thomas was a part-time patrol officer, and the case was referred to the sheriff. "When I learned that a police officer was involved, I called in GBI Agent Mike Murphy to assist with the investigation," said Swanner. "This is usually done in cases where local law enforcement officers are involved." As the investigation progressed, warrants were taken charging Thomas with aggravated assault (a felony), and possession of a firearm during commission of a crime (also a felony)... Thomas was released under $15,000 bond, and his case will be presented to a Seminole County grand jury at its Oct. 20 session... Investigator Chad Robinson of the Donalsonville Police Department, speaking on behalf of Police Chief Jimmy Holt, who is on vacation, said that Thomas had submitted his resignation from the department on Wednesday, June 25, citing personal reasons for his action... Bainbridge Public Safety Department Director Larry Funderburke said Thomas' status with his department is undetermined at this time. Thomas is a 13-year veteran with Public Safety, and has been a captain for the past two years... "Pat was a good police officer until he had personal problems and his work performance began dropping. We had received several complaints about his activities and given him an oral reprimand"... [Full article here]

CAPT THOMAS ARRESTED FOR AGG ASSAULT
BainbridgeGa.com, GA
Jul 2, 2008
Public Safety Director Larry Funderburke stated on Tuesday that Captain Pat Thomas has been suspended without pay, pending termination. Chief Funderburke stated that the reasons for the pending termination were insubordination and violation of the criminal code... Ms Odom reported she was returning to Captain Thomas a gun she had in her possession. She reported an altercation occurred and that Captain Thomas jabbed her in the side with the pistol and threatened to kill her. Ms Odom originally went to the Donalsonville Police Department and was referred to the Sheriff's Department because the incident occurred in Seminole County... On Friday afternoon, Pat Thomas was arrested for aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime... Public Safety Director Funderburke stated that Captain Thomas's suspension pending termination began on Monday. He explained that Captain Thomas had 3 days to appeal the action to the City Manager, otherwise his termination would be final. We understand that Captain Thomas will appeal. [Full article here]