Meghan Markle’s brother arrested and charged with holding GUN to woman’s head as a drunken row ‘turned violent’

THE half-brother of Prince Harry’s girlfriend Meghan Markle has been charged with holding a gun to a woman’s head during a drunken argument.

Thomas Markle Jr, 50, was arrested on Thursday in Oregon, US.

The news came just days after Meghan visited Harry at Kensington Palace and was introduced to sister-in-law Kate.

The incident will cause huge concern for actress Meghan, 35, star of TV drama Suits.

Thomas’ ex-wife Tracy Dooley said last night: “I don’t want this to be embarrassing for Meghan.

“The last thing he would want to do is to hurt her.”

It came in the week smitten Prince Harry proved his love for Meghan by introducing her to sister-in-law Kate and niece Princess Charlotte.

Thomas Jr was taken into custody by cops following the row in his home town of Grants Pass, Oregon, US.

Markle Jr, the son of Meghan’s dad Thomas Markle Sr, was charged with menacing, pointing a firearm at another person, and unlawful use of a weapon.

The alleged bust-up happened late on Thursday after a drinking session at Thomas Jr’s flat.

According to reports, the window fitter “grabbed a gun and pressed it to the woman’s head in an attempt to get her to leave the home”.

A mugshot of Markle Jr looking red-faced and haggard was posted online.

Bail for his release was set at £1,200 and he was said to have called Tracy at 3am to ask her to help stump up the cash.

But she said last night: “Tom has had a little fame and publicity since Meghan started dating Prince Harry. He wants what’s best for her. He is so happy and proud for her.

“They used to be very close but there has been some separation over the years. When he called he sounded very sad and asked if I would help to get him out of jail.

“I hope this incident helps him get the help he needs to deal with alcohol issues he might have. All of his family love and support him and are very concerned about him. He needs to recognise if he has a problem and seek the help he needs.

“I’m sure Meghan would want him to get the help he needs.”

Deputy Jill Elardi, of Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed the arrest and charges last night.

She said: “He was arrested at 11pm on January 12 and released on Friday at 10am. He will be going to court for it.”

Tracy, a recovering alcoholic, said her ex-husband also has alcohol issues. The pair were married for 11 years until their divorce in 2001.

Earlier this month Thomas Jr said his 72-year-old father was “proud” of Meghan’s relationship with Harry.

Thomas Jr lives in Grants Pass, with his girlfriend Darlene Blount, 36. His two sons — Tyler, 27, and Thomas Dooley, 25 — live nearby.

By the time Meghan was born in 1981, Thomas Jr was living with his father, sister Samantha and step-mother Doria in LA.

But he moved to Oregon after having “issues” in California, his family said.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368