Douglas County man arrested after allegedly battering girlfriend and holding her against will

A 51-year-old man was arrested in Gardnerville early Sunday on charges of Domestic Battery, Battery with Substantial Bodily Injury and False Imprisonment after allegedly battering his girlfriend and holding her against her will.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) received information from a confidential source who is a friend of the woman. He provided texts from the victim pleading for help and pictures of her injuries, all from the home the victim shares with the suspect.

At approximately 8:30 a.m. January 14, 2018, deputies from DCSO responded to a residence in the 3000 block of Pinenut Road in Gardnerville, where the suspect and victim reside.

Deputies contacted the individuals and found the victim had injuries consistent with what had been reported. It was also discovered the suspect had threatened the victim if she left or attempted to leave, or were to report the incident to law enforcement.

The suspect, 51-year-old Thomas Sims, was arrested and booked.

Due to the extent and severity of injuries discovered on the victim (name withheld), including a possible dislocated shoulder, she was transported with paramedics to the hospital for treatment of her injuries.

A firearm, which was reported to have been previously used by the suspect to threaten the victim, was located inside the residence and collected as part of the investigation.

The investigation is continuing.