Man arrested in Columbus County after reported kidnapping, shooting

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A man accused of firing a shotgun, attempting to break into a home, and kidnapping a woman at gunpoint was taken into custody Tuesday following an hours-long search, according to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a news release, deputies responded to a disturbance involving weapons at a home around 1:00 am Tuesday on Jacobs Lane in Bolton. When they arrived, the caller told deputies that Thomas Devine Barsh tried to force his way into a home by kicking the door and later damaged an outbuilding. Barsh then reportedly fired multiple rounds from a 12-gauge shotgun on the property.

The victim told deputies that Barsh had sent threatening messages before the incident and had expressed an intent to cause harm.

Deputies searched for Barsh at a nearby residence and, while searching the area, heard movement in the woods and pursued a man who ran from the scene.

During the search, deputies found a woman lying in a nearby field with injuries. The woman told deputies that Barsh had forcibly taken her from a home at gunpoint, dragged her through the woods by her hair, and physically assaulted her.

The sheriff’s office says while speaking with the woman, deputies heard more shotgun blasts nearby and immediately secured the area while requesting additional support.

The Columbus County Drone Unit, Whiteville Fire Department’s Drone Unit and additional deputies responded to assist in a ground and aerial search. Barsh was not found during the initial sweep.

Based on the investigation, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office obtained arrest warrants for Barsh on the following charges:

• First-degree kidnapping
• Assault on a female
• Misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
• Communicating threats
• Going armed to the terror of the public
• Attempted first-degree burglary
• Assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm

Barsh was entered as wanted in the National Crime Information Center at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday. He was arrested later that day, around 4:30 p.m., with assistance from the North Carolina Department of Probation. Authorities said Barsh was taken into custody without incident.

He was booked into the Columbus County Detention Center and served with the outstanding warrants. Barsh received two no-bond warrants and two additional warrants with $50,000 secured bonds each.