Hobe Sound, FL -A shocking act of violence unfolded Friday afternoon at a gas station in Hobe Sound, where a routine stop turned into a nightmare for a 61-year-old grandfather — viciously beaten in front of his wife and young grandchildren. Now, two brothers are behind bars, and a community is left stunned and heartbroken by the brutality.
What Began With a Honk Ended in Horror
The incident occurred at the Cumberland Farms gas station on Federal Highway, where the victim, towing a pontoon boat with his family in tow, honked at a pickup truck blocking the fuel lane. That honk, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, ignited a violent rage in 49-year-old Shane Thomas Blois, who allegedly exited his vehicle and launched a verbal and physical assault on the older man.
Moments later, the situation escalated terrifyingly. Witnesses report that Shane retrieved a rubber mallet and began bludgeoning the victim — all while his grandchildren looked on in fear and disbelief.
“It was horrifying,” said one witness. “That man didn’t do anything but honk. Then he was on the ground, being beaten like an animal. The kids were screaming.”
To make matters worse, Shane’s brother, Erick R. Blois, soon arrived in a separate vehicle and reportedly joined in the attack, further injuring the already battered grandfather.
Law Enforcement Acts Swiftly
The two suspects fled the scene, but thanks to quick-thinking witnesses who recorded vehicle tags, deputies had leads within minutes. Shane Blois was later tracked to his Hobe Sound residence, leading to a tense three-hour standoff involving the Criminal Investigations Division, K-9 and Drone Units, and Aviation support.
Shane was eventually found hiding inside the home and taken into custody without further incident.
Erick Blois was apprehended shortly after during a traffic stop coordinated with the Juno Beach Police Department.
Facing Justice
Shane Thomas Blois has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and remains held in the Martin County Jail.
Erick R. Blois faces a charge of battery, with officials stating more charges may follow.
Sheriff’s investigators continue to process evidence, review surveillance footage, and prepare the case for prosecution.
A Family Traumatized
The victim remains hospitalized with multiple serious injuries. Officials have not released his name, but say the man is recovering. His emotional scars — and those left on his family — will likely endure long after the bruises fade.
“This was more than an assault. This was a traumatic, public act of cruelty,” said a spokesperson from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. “And worst of all, it was done in front of children.”
Community members have rallied online and in person to support the family, expressing grief, disbelief, and anger.
“How could something so simple turn so violent?” asked one neighbor. “We don’t just need arrests — we need accountability and change.”
Ongoing Investigation
As detectives continue their work, officials are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or captured additional video to come forward. Information can be reported to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office directly.
In a world where tempers too often explode into violence, Friday’s events serve as a grim reminder of how quickly normal life can be shattered — and how deeply those ripples spread through families, communities, and hearts.
The victim, his wife, and his grandchildren came for gas. They left with trauma.