HAZEL PARK, MICHIGAN — In a violent and shocking incident that has rocked the community, 51-year-old Charles Lamar Thomas is facing multiple charges after allegedly shooting his girlfriend’s 22-year-old son in the face following a confrontation at his girlfriend’s home. The altercation, which occurred on March 24, 2025, reportedly began when the victim, who had come to pick up his belongings, confronted Thomas for allegedly disrespecting his mother. What followed was a violent exchange of gunfire that left the victim seriously injured but still able to defend himself. The case is raising questions about domestic violence, gun access, and the consequences of escalating conflicts within intimate relationships. As Thomas now faces charges including assault with intent to murder and felony firearm possession, this incident offers a grim reminder of the extreme outcomes that can arise from familial disputes.

The Incident: A Violent Confrontation Turns Deadly

On the morning of March 24, 2025, Hazel Park, a small city in Oakland County, Michigan, became the scene of a horrific exchange of gunfire that left a young man fighting for his life and his mother’s boyfriend in police custody. The incident began in what seemed like an ordinary situation: a son arriving at his mother’s house to collect his belongings.

The 22-year-old victim, whose identity has not been fully disclosed due to privacy concerns, had reportedly gone to his mother’s house to retrieve personal items. It’s unclear whether this was a regular visit or the result of a prior argument between the victim and his mother’s boyfriend, 51-year-old Charles Lamar Thomas. What is clear, however, is that an argument soon erupted between the two men when the victim confronted Thomas about allegedly disrespecting his mother.

According to police reports and witness statements, the victim, in his frustration, told Thomas to stop disrespecting his mother. This comment, as described by law enforcement officials, appeared to trigger Thomas, who immediately became angry. The verbal confrontation escalated rapidly, and Thomas allegedly produced a firearm. What followed was a quick succession of events that would turn deadly.

The Shooting: An Unprovoked Attack

Reports indicate that the first shot fired struck the victim in the shoulder, leaving him stunned and injured but still standing. The situation quickly spiraled out of control as Thomas allegedly fired again, this time striking the victim in the face. The victim, despite being seriously wounded, managed to fight back. He grabbed a firearm that was reportedly nearby and returned fire at Thomas. The victim’s shots hit Thomas in the finger, wrist, and chest, causing significant injuries to the older man.

The confrontation was over, but the damage had been done. Both men, severely wounded, drove themselves to nearby hospitals. Thomas, despite his injuries, was reportedly the first to arrive at the hospital, where he was later arrested by Hazel Park Police Department officers. The victim, whose condition was far more critical due to the face wound, was taken to the hospital for emergency surgery.

The Aftermath: Investigations and Legal Proceedings

Upon their arrival at the hospital, police officers began their investigation into the shooting. They quickly established that both men had driven themselves to the hospital following the altercation, an unusual and dangerous turn of events considering the severity of the injuries involved. Both men were treated for their wounds, with Thomas receiving care for his gunshot wounds before being taken into custody.

Charles Lamar Thomas was arrested shortly after the incident and booked into the Oakland County Jail. Authorities set his bond at $500,000, a reflection of the seriousness of the charges against him. He now faces multiple charges, including assault with intent to murder, felony firearm possession, and possibly others, pending the ongoing investigation.

His court dates have been set for April 8 and April 15, 2025. The charges against Thomas are significant, with the assault charge carrying severe legal consequences, especially in Michigan, where gun violence and domestic incidents are taken very seriously by law enforcement and the judicial system.

The Legal Ramifications: Assault with Intent to Murder and Firearm Possession

In Michigan, assault with intent to murder is classified as a felony with severe penalties. If convicted, Thomas could face a prison sentence ranging from 25 years to life, with the possibility of parole after serving a significant portion of his sentence. Additionally, the possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime is a serious offense. Michigan law mandates that anyone found guilty of felony firearm possession must serve a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, which would be added to any other sentence handed down.

This case also raises the issue of self-defense. While the victim did retaliate by firing back at Thomas, his actions are likely to be scrutinized in the upcoming legal proceedings. In Michigan, self-defense laws allow individuals to use force when they are under threat of harm. However, the circumstances surrounding the victim’s use of force will likely be examined to determine whether his response was justified or if it went beyond what was necessary to protect himself.

A Pattern of Violence? Understanding Domestic Disputes and Gun Access

This shooting underscores a troubling pattern of escalating domestic disputes turning violent, often with firearms involved. Domestic violence is a significant issue in Michigan, as it is across the United States. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the U.S., equating to more than 10 million individuals annually. The presence of firearms in households involved in domestic violence disputes increases the risk of serious injury or death, with many incidents escalating to deadly levels.

In this case, the alleged violence involved a firearm, an issue that has been a point of contention in U.S. society for decades. Michigan, like many other states, has seen a rise in gun violence in recent years, especially in domestic disputes. The easy availability of firearms has contributed to the high level of gun-related violence in Michigan, and the use of firearms in domestic situations is often lethal. Domestic violence survivors in Michigan and across the nation continue to face an uphill battle in escaping abusive relationships, especially when firearms are involved.

Gun Violence in Hazel Park: A Community in Shock

Hazel Park, a city with a population of around 17,000 residents, has historically been a quiet and relatively safe community. The city, located in Oakland County, has seen a steady rise in its population and is part of the larger Detroit metropolitan area. Despite the city’s small size, Hazel Park is not immune to the issues of gun violence and domestic disputes that plague larger urban centers.

Local authorities have expressed shock over the violent incident, which has shaken the community to its core. Hazel Park Police Department officials have emphasized the need for increased vigilance when it comes to handling domestic disputes, particularly those involving firearms. The incident has also sparked debates about gun access and control, with many community members calling for stronger measures to prevent domestic violence from escalating into fatal encounters.

Hazel Park residents have expressed concern over the safety of their community, and local organizations are beginning to step up their efforts to provide resources for domestic violence victims. Community leaders have called for better education and support systems to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

The Victim: A Young Man’s Fight for Survival

The victim, who remains unnamed in media reports, has been identified as the son of Charles Lamar Thomas’s girlfriend. He is a 22-year-old young man who had reportedly been living with his mother, a situation that is not uncommon in families dealing with financial or emotional difficulties. The victim’s injuries, particularly the gunshot wound to the face, are severe, and doctors have indicated that he will need extensive rehabilitation and medical care moving forward. However, the victim’s quick thinking and ability to defend himself played a significant role in preventing the situation from escalating further.

Despite the extreme violence of the encounter, the victim’s actions to fight back and defend himself are a testament to his determination to survive. He managed to fire back at Thomas, striking him in the chest and inflicting injuries that would likely have incapacitated the older man, allowing the victim to escape further harm.

The Future: Legal Proceedings and Community Impact

As Charles Lamar Thomas faces serious charges and the court dates loom, the case will likely have significant implications for both the legal system and the community of Hazel Park. The severity of the incident has already brought attention to issues of domestic violence, gun violence, and the consequences of escalating disputes. It is clear that both men involved in this altercation will face long-term consequences for their actions.

For the victim, the road to recovery will be a long one. Beyond the physical trauma, the emotional and psychological scars left by the shooting will take time to heal. Domestic violence is not just about physical harm; the emotional toll can be just as significant. It remains to be seen how this incident will impact the victim’s relationship with his mother, Thomas, and the broader community.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the community of Hazel Park will be watching closely, hoping for justice for the victim while grappling with the reality of the violence that unfolded in their midst. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise when conflicts escalate beyond control and highlights the urgent need for better support and intervention for those caught in the grip of domestic violence.

Conclusion: A Case of Domestic Violence Escalating Into Gun Violence

The case of Charles Lamar Thomas and his girlfriend’s son stands as a stark reminder of the volatility of domestic disputes when guns are involved. What began as a verbal argument over perceived disrespect spiraled into a violent, life-threatening situation that left one man fighting for his life and the other facing serious criminal charges. As the case progresses, it will undoubtedly serve as a focal point for discussions about domestic violence, gun access, and the need for stronger intervention strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.