Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Walhalla Man on Kidnapping and Domestic Violence Charges

A Walhalla man remains in jail at this time on a combined $500,000 surety bond after his arrest yesterday on charges of Kidnapping and Domestic Violence – High and Aggravated.
37-year-old Thomas Gregory Lockridge, Jr., of Rocky Knoll Road, was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center around 4:13pm Thursday.

The Sheriff’s Office began their investigation after a Deputy from the Uniform Patrol Bureau met with the victim, an adult female, at the hospital on Wednesday morning of this week. The victim told the Deputy that she had been assaulted and held against her will by Lockridge, Jr. during a three-day period between August 18th and August 21st of this year at the Rocky Knoll Road address.

The victim was able to leave the residence and arrange for a ride so she could leave the scene. After staying at a different location for approximately a week, the victim sought medical care due to pain and was transported by ambulance to the hospital for further treatment.

The investigation was turned over to an Investigator from the Violent Crimes Unit of the
Criminal Investigations Bureau, who obtained arrest warrants against Lockridge, Jr. According to information obtained during the investigation, the victim suffered a fractured sternum due to the assault and was disrobed by Lockridge, Jr. so she could not leave the residence. Lockridge, Jr. unlawfully confided and seized the victim and also took the victim’s cellphone to prevent her from calling for help.

Also, Lockridge, Jr. has two prior domestic violence convictions within the last 10 years,
according to an arrest warrant.

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation. Due to the ongoing
investigation, and for health safety and privacy reasons, the Sheriff’s Office will not release the victim’s name or any information regarding her condition.