COBB – LAKE COUNTY – A man who tried to intervene in a dispute between a man and woman was attacked Saturday morning by the man with a hatchet and was transported by a medi-vac helicopter after treatment by paramedics. His assailant fled and is still wanted.
The small town of Cobb is located in the forested area south and west of Clear Lake along Highway 175, and has a population of less than 2000 people. On Saturday at around 11 am, two people in the area of Our Lady Of The Pines outdoor church on Forest Lake Drive witnessed a man and woman arguing. The woman walked away from the man, identified as 29-year-old Nicholas James Thomas, who told her to stop. He reportedly began to chase her yelling obscenities, and became more aggressive, as described by the witness. According to Steve Brooks of the Lake Sheriff’s Department, the second witness approached Thomas and told him to stop.
The attack occurred on Forrest Lake Drive in Cobb.
Thomas reacted to the intervention by telling the man to mind his own business, and then struck him on the head with a hatchet he was carrying. The force of the blow caused the victim to fall to the ground, hitting his head and face, while the hatchet flew out of Thomas’ hand. He picked it up and left the area on foot.
The victim was able to walk at the time, and managed to get to a business a quarter mile down Highway 175 at Golf Road, where the attack was reported to the Sheriff’s Department. Deputies, paramedics and firefighters all soon arrived on the scene. He received medical treatment there, but was unable to talk, and was transported by air to a trauma center for further treatment.
The victim walked for help to Hwy 175 & Golf Road for help.
Meanwhile, the deputies searched the area for Thomas, who is said to live in Cobb, but they were unable to locate him. He is still wanted, considered to be armed and dangerous. Anyone who may know where he is is encourage to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s office at 707-263-2690, but should not approach him.
