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Hendersonville man arrested for shooting man multiple times

COLUMBUS—The Columbus Police department is charging a Hendersonville man for shooting a man on Nov. 18 in Columbus. 

Joshua Tony Hoots, 27, of 97 New Castle Lane, Hendersonville, has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; driving while license revoked and discharge of a firearm in city limits, according to Columbus Police reports. 

The shooting occurred on Nov. 18 at 263 Blanton Street, Columbus where Hoots is accused of shooting Phillip Ward, age 34, while Ward was in his backyard. Ward was shot multiple times, including in the neck, chest and both legs, according to Columbus Police Chief Scott Hamby. Ward was transported to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center that night with life threatening injuries. 

Following the shooting, Hamby said Hoots fled the scene. Hoots was arrested on Nov. 20 by the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office on unrelated charges. Hoots remained in the Henderson County Detention Center until he was transferred to the Salisbury Department of Corrections on a parole violation. Hoots remains in Salisbury at the department of corrections. 

Columbus issued warrants on Hoots on Dec. 12 regarding the shooting charges. 

“At this time it is not known when Mr. Hoots will be returned to Polk County to face charges,” Hamby said.