Man holds woman hostage, opens fire

The Houston County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 300 block of Dunbar Road on May 29, 2020, regarding a physical domestic with shots fired.

Responding deputies located several witnesses at the scene. The witnesses all stated that a 37-year-old female was being held at a camper trailer by her boyfriend, 25-year-old Joey Lynn Patton, Jr.

Deputies on scene were advised that the suspect, Patton, had also fired shots at a 54-year-old male subject. This victim had arrived at the camper to check on the female victim’s welfare when Patton, who was armed with a rifle, confronted him. Witnesses stated that Patton fired multiple shots at the male victim when he approached the camper and knocked on the door to check on the female.

Patrol deputy Jonathan Lewis contacted Patton, and he was taken into custody without incident. Lewis was also able to locate the female inside the camper, and she was moved to a safe location. Other assisting patrol deputies secured the scene and located witnesses to the incident. Officers from the Warner Robins Police Department also assisted on the initial call.

Sheriff’s investigators, Sgt. Greg Pennycuff and Cpl. Zachary Polk were called to the scene to continue the investigation. Evidence was recovered from the scene to include an AR-15 style rifle and multiple live rounds and spent casings. Investigators determined that the 37-year-old female had been a victim of domestic violence. She had walked to an adjacent residence to call for a family member to come pick her up. During this time, Patton approached the female and physically carried her back to the camper where she was held against her will. The female victim had superficial injuries as a result of simple battery. The male victim was not injured during the incident.

Patton is currently being held at the Houston County Detention Center. Patton has been charged with aggravated assault, battery, simple assault – family violence, kidnapping, and false imprisonment. No bond has been set on the charges at this time.

Pennycuff is the lead investigator for the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. He can be reached at 478-218-4790 or 478-542-2080.

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