Tiger man arrested on attempted murder, aggravated assault charges

A Tiger man has been arrested in neighboring Oconee County, South Carolina on attempted murder charges stemming from a 2017 incident.

According to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Department, Joshua Dennis Dodgins, 29, was arrested Monday. Upon apprehending Dodgins, deputies learned he had active warrants out for his arrest on a number of charges.

Dodgins now faces charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault, discharging a firearm into a vehicle, domestic violence and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

The charges stem from an incident back on November 3, 2017 when deputies were dispatched to a residence in Long Creek, South Carolina.

According to the police report, Dodgins ex-partner told authorities upon their arrival, that Dodgins became irate after going through her phone.

Dodgins, who according to deputies was intoxicated at the time of the incident, had with him a .22 rifle that was loaded and laying across his lap when the victim offered to give him a ride back to his home in Tiger.

Dodgins then became aggressive towards the victim after she asked him to unload his gun. He exited the vehicle and began to fire shots with the victim and their daughter still inside.

Deputies said the victim attempted to exit the vehicle but Dodgins slammed the car door on her leg and forced her to stay inside before firing another round.

The victim was able to escape long enough to call 911, but Dodgins fled on foot before law enforcement arrived.

Upon deputies inspection of the vehicle, they observed a fresh bullet hole on the passenger side of the rear bumper.

Present day, Dodgins remains lodged at the Oconee County Detention Center.