LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — Investigators say 26-year-old Thomas Painter is the man who was shot by a bail bondsman who was attempting to serve a warrant.
The Luzerne County District Attorney's Office says the shooting happened inside Painter's home on Fairview Drive in Nanticoke on Thursday.
They say the bondsman was there on a court order to take Painter into custody.
When the bondsman arrived, authorities say he was invited inside the house.
"As he entered and tried to take the individual in custody, the individual pulled a weapon. The bondsman responded with gunfire and struck the individual that was the subject of the warrant,” said First Assistant District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce.
Investigators say Painter was struck in the mid-section and taken to the hospital.
Both the DA's office and Painter's attorney now say he died from his injuries.
Painter's attorney, Lawrence Kansky, tells us his client violated his bail "from new charges of drug possession."
Kansky confirms what investigators say, that while the bondsman was at Painter's home: "Painter allegedly grabbed a rifle, causing the bail bondsman to shoot Painter."
Investigators say there were other people in the home at the time of the shooting.
Neighbors tell us Painter lived in this house with his grandmother.
"So I'm just hoping that everything is good and that his grandmother is still good, everybody's okay,” said Larry Butczynski.
The Luzerne County District Attorney's Office says the bondsman is cooperating with authorities.
The shooting remains under investigation.