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.

The incident prompting the suspension was reported in Seminole County last week.  Seminole County Sheriff Dale Swanner stated that last Thursday Pat Thomas and Kim Odom were involved in an altercation in front of a local restaurant.

According to Sheriff Swanner, 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.  As is typical whenever a law enforcement officer is involved in an incident, Sheriff Swanner called the GBI to handle the investigation.  On Friday afternoon, Pat Thomas was arrested for aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Sheriff Swanner stated that Captain Thomas was freed on a $15,000 bond on Monday.  He stated the case will be presented to the Seminole County Grand Jury in October.  He also stated he was not aware of their specific relationship, specifically that he did not know if the 2 had been dating or not.

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.