Tragic Shooting in Saline Parking Lot Leaves Woman Dead
Saline, MI - A 40-year-old woman from Lenawee County was fatally shot in a parking lot in Saline on Thursday by her ex-boyfriend. The victim, identified as Amber Jo Thomas, had recently applied for a personal protection order, expressing her fear for her safety. According to court records, Thomas requested the order on July 27, and it was approved the following day.
In her application, Thomas detailed the physical harm she had already endured and the multiple threats made against her life by her longtime partner, from whom she had recently split. She wrote, “He has physically harmed me so many times already. I’m scared. He has stated he was going to kill me several times.”
The shooting took place late Thursday morning in a vacant UAW parking lot on Woodland Drive East, just across the street from an assisted living facility. Authorities are treating the incident as a domestic dispute, as Thomas had a previous relationship with the shooter, a 58-year-old man from Lenawee County. Sadly, Thomas succumbed to her injuries, while another victim, a 67-year-old male from the Saline area, remains in stable condition. The male victim was described as a casual acquaintance of Thomas.
Friends and colleagues of Thomas have been devastated by the news. Karen Klee, who worked with Thomas at the Linden Square Assisted Living facility near the parking lot, described her as a kind and caring person.
According to the personal protection order application, Thomas had been in a nine-year relationship that involved multiple instances of physical and verbal abuse. She had ended the relationship two weeks prior to the shooting. Thomas also reported being stalked, followed, and contacted at her workplace. The order, which was approved on July 28, prohibited the defendant from entering Thomas’s home or having any contact with her. It was valid for one year.
As of now, no charges have been filed in connection with the shooting. However, a suspect was apprehended on Thursday afternoon after fleeing the scene in a tan-colored 4-door Ford Focus. The suspect was involved in a crash at South Ann Arbor Street and Willis Road, where a Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Deputy arrested him after he failed to comply with commands.
The community is mourning the loss of Amber Jo Thomas and is calling for justice to be served. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of taking threats of violence seriously and providing adequate protection for victims of domestic abuse.
How can communities like Saline effectively address domestic violence and provide resources for those in danger?
Times, and I believe he is capable of doing so.”
The tragic incident occurred around 6:30 pm in the parking lot of a local shopping center on Michigan Avenue. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and seeing Thomas lying on the ground while the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle.
The Saline Police Department quickly responded to the scene and initiated a search for the suspect. With the help of neighboring law enforcement agencies, they were able to apprehend the ex-boyfriend a few miles away from the crime scene.
Saline Police Chief Steve Prutzman expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and emphasized the importance of seeking help in situations of domestic violence. He said, “Unfortunately, tragedies like this remind us of the devastating consequences of domestic abuse. We encourage anyone experiencing threats or violence to reach out to the authorities and seek the necessary support.”
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Mark Johnson, is currently in custody and is facing charges of first-degree murder. He is expected to appear in court next week.
The local community in Saline is mourning the loss of Amber Jo Thomas. Friends and family members remember her as a kind-hearted and vibrant woman who had a passion for helping others. They have set up a memorial fund in her honor to support domestic violence survivors.
The tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to address domestic violence and provide resources to those in danger. It also underscores the importance of taking threats seriously and taking appropriate action to protect oneself from harm.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out to local authorities or organizations that specialize in supporting survivors.
This is absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring safety for those facing threats and the need for comprehensive support systems.