Warner Robins man seeks warrant against man he’s charged with shooting in the back

WARNER ROBINS -- A Houston County judge agreed Thursday to subpoena three Warner Robins police officers to testify in an unusual case in which a Warner Robins man is seeking an aggravated assault charge against another man he’s accused of shooting in the back.

Bruce Osborn Key is free on bond after being charged with aggravated assault in the Aug. 24 shooting of 38-year-old Thomas Allen Gooch outside his Briardale Drive home. Key was also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime.

The 50-year-old retired computer sales territory leader was before Houston County Chief Magistrate Judge Bob Turner seeking a warrant against Gooch for aggravated assault. Key told the judge the “action” he took was in self-defense after Gooch struck him with a tire jack in the head that resulted in multiple stitches.

Key represented himself. Gooch, who did not attend the hearing, could not be reached later for comment.

The judge told Key it was unusual for him to hear such a case in which the person seeking a warrant has unresolved charges, because anything that Key might say in Magistrate Court could be used against him in the criminal case. Key is being represented by Houston County public defender Nick White in the criminal case.

Key told the judge he understood and that White was aware he was seeking an arrest warrant against Gooch.

Contacted by phone, White said Key had told him he was thinking about seeking a warrant, but he had advised him against it because of his pending case. He said he also advised him against making public comments.

The criminal case has not yet gone before a Houston County grand jury for consideration.

During the Magistrate Court hearing, Key told the judge that Warner Robins police would be able to verify that he was taken and treated at Houston Medical Center for the injury he alleged that Gooch inflicted. He said police also had crime scene photos.

Key also maintained that police unlawfully seized his cellphone, a web camera and laptop that have evidence on them he thinks are beneficial to his case.

The judge asked Key if he had made a statement to police. Key said he made a statement at the Warner Robins Law Enforcement Center but was not sure what he had said because he had a concussion.

Noting it was unusual to issue subpoenas for police officers in a pending criminal case, Turner said he was doing so because the officers’ testimony might be relevant to the allegations made by Key against Gooch in Magistrate Court.

As a result, Thursday’s hearing was postponed until another hearing could be scheduled at which the officers could be called to testify.

After the hearing, Key said he was pleased with the result. According to his version of events, he was in fear for his life when he fired in the direction of Gooch’s voice. Key said Gooch asked him if he “wanted some more” after Gooch allegedly struck him with the tire jack while Key was sitting in his car outside Gooch’s home. He said he had pulled up outside the home to collect $20 Gooch owed him.

Key said his dash web camera was on because he was making a video of his trips and because he heard it was a good idea in the event of an accident or incident. Key said he also captured audio on his cellphone of the run-in with Gooch.

To contact writer Becky Purser, call 256-9559.

This story was originally published October 2, 2014 at 2:10 PM with the headline "Warner Robins man seeks warrant against man he’s charged with shooting in the back ."