My name is Evan Johnson, and I am trying to help my best friend Thomas "TJ" Bumgardner, who has gotten himself into a bit of trouble while travelling out of state.
On Sunday 4/25/15 at 12:45 am. Thomas Bumgardner, a New Orleans local, was on a business trip in Hinkley, Minnesota. After a successful sales event, he and his coworkers went out for a drink to celebrate.
Several locals took offence to the celebratory antics of Thomas and his coworkers, and singled him out when he stepped outside for a cigarette. Six men surrounded Thomas and began shouting at him, accusing him of various things, and shoving him up against a wall. Feeling threatened, Thomas did the reasonable thing, he pushed through the men, to go back inside and escape the danger.
The next thing he knows, Thomas is in handcuffs and being hauled to jail on felony assault charges. Apparently one of the sheriffs was related to the man Thomas brushed past to get back indoors.
Thomas' friends and family are struggling to pay the mounting legal fees, and while stuck in jail awaiting trial (no bail bondsman will cover an out of state offender), his infant son and fiance have nothing coming in to help them make ends meet. We hate that we have to ask, but if you can help in any way, we would appreciate it.
Any money raised here will go directly to cover legal fees, transportation costs to and from Minnesota, and to keep his son and fiance above water. Thank you in advance for your kindness. God Bless.