A Sanford man is accused of shooting his stepson Saturday morning after an argument.

  • Man shoots stepson in Sanford
  • Police say the two men had an argument
  • The stepson was shot twice and taken to a hospital

Thomas Lathrop, 71, faces charges of attempted murder.

The shooting happened at a home in the 2300 block of Summerlin Avenue, according to the Sanford Police Department.

Police say the shooting started as a domestic dispute.

When officers arrived, they found Lathrop’s stepson, Frank Fort, with multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to Central Florida Regional Hospital in critical condition.

According to police, Lathrop shot Fort after the two argued over seating.

Lathrop’s wife told people she and her husband were outside on the front porch when Fort went to sit where Lathrop was already sitting.  Lathrop reportedly became upset and asked Fort, “Don’t you see me sitting here?”

According to the arrest report, Fort told Lathrop he always sits on the front porch before work.  Lathrop walked toward Fort and pointed a gun at his legs, firing one shot, police said.

When Fort ran away, Lathrop fired two more shots, striking his stepson.

Lathrop was taken to the Sanford Police Department for questioning. He was later booked at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility in Sanford.