EXCLUSIVE: Meghan Markle's half-brother 'is going through a pretty rough time' as he apologizes for getting arrested after putting gun to new girlfriend's head in drunken row

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Thomas Markle Jr, 50, was arrested on gun charges in Grants Pass, Oregon on Thursday night after an argument with his girlfriend spiraled out of control

Meghan Markle's older brother Thomas Markle Jr is 'going through a rough time' and is 'sad and sorry' following a drunken altercation that led to his arrest. 

The 50-year-old - whose half-sister Meghan has been dating Prince Harry for several months - was arrested late on Thursday at the home he shares with his girlfriend of two months, Darlene Blount, in Grants Pass, Oregon.

He was booked on one felony count of unlawful use of a dangerous weapon and two misdemeanors - menacing and pointing a firearm at another person.

Thomas Jr's younger brother Bobby Lucero, 35, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview that his sibling is going through a tough time and is sorry for what happened.

'He's not good at the moment - he's just laying low,' said Lucero. 'He's going through a pretty rough time right now and he is sad about what happened and sorry.

'Things really aren't great for him right now.'  

Prince Harry's girlfriend Meghan Markle, who is 15 years younger than Thomas Jr, is the product of Thomas Sr's second marriage to yoga teacher Doria Ragland, 60

The alleged victim is believed to be Markle's girlfriend of two months, Darlene Blount, 36, a former hotel manager (pictured)

Together: Meghan with Thomas Jr as a baby. He said in a recent interview that he hopes Prince Harry 'takes care of and loves' his sister

Lucero is Thomas Jr's half-sibling and the youngest child of Roslyn Markle, 71 – the former wife of Meghan's father Thomas Sr, 72, and the mother of his two eldest children.

Roslyn and Thomas Sr's other daughter is Samantha Grant, 52, a former actress and scriptwriter who now lives in Florida with her boyfriend Mark Phillips, 58.

Meghan, who is 15 years younger than Thomas Jr, is the product of Thomas Sr's second marriage to yoga teacher Doria Ragland, 60. 

Thomas Jr, a window fitter, was arrested by Grants Pass police at 11pm on Thursday night after an argument with Blount spiraled out of control.

An official police log of the incident, which spelled Meghan's brother's name incorrectly, stated: 'Markel and Blount got into an argument.

'In his drunken state Markel grabbed a gun and pressed it to Blount's head in an attempt to get her to leave.'

It added that Blount rang the police after locking herself in the bathroom for safety.

Following his arrest, Thomas Jr called his former wife Tracy Dooley, 51, and asked her to put up his $1,500 bond before being released at 10am on Friday morning.

Thomas Jr is yet to emerge from his Grants Pass home and the gray-painted property was shuttered and quiet when DailyMail.com visited earlier today.

Blount, who has not ended her relationship with Thomas Jr according to Lucero, briefly returned to the house to collect her pick-up truck but refused to comment when approached by this website.

She is thought to be staying with her parents Clyde, 66, and Claudia, 59, on a remote farm approximately five miles from the home she shares with Thomas Jr. 

Thomas Markle Jr was arrested on Thursday at the home he shares with his girlfriend of two months, Darlene Blount, in Grants Pass, Oregon. He is yet to emerge from his home following the incident

Thomas Markle Jr, Meghan Markle's half brother, was booked on one felony count of unlawful use of a dangerous weapon and two misdemeanors – menacing and pointing a firearm at another person following the incident on Thursday night

He was charged with menacing, pointing a firearm at another person, and unlawful use of a weapon, according to public police records

Meghan's burgeoning relationship with Harry has already been described as 'serious'

Yesterday, Thomas Jr's ex-wife told the Mail on Sunday that she hoped Meghan, who is understood to have been dating Prince Harry since May 2016, would not be left 'embarrassed' by the incident.

'I don't want this to be embarrassing for Meghan. Tom has had a little fame and publicity since Meghan started dating Prince Harry,' said Tracy who has two sons, Tyler, 27, and Thomas III, 25, both also of Grants Pass, with Thomas Jr.

'He wants what's best for her. They used to be very close but there has been some separation over the years. The last thing he would want to do is to hurt her.'

Speaking to the Sun, Thomas Jr's son Tyler said the 50-year-old has now vowed to seek help for his drinking and wants to 'apologize for everything'.

'He knows it is an embarrassment to Meghan and the family,' said Tyler, 27. 'He is very sorry and is apologizing to everyone. He just needs some time to heal and reflect on life. But he wants to apologize for everything.

'He is in the spotlight now and everyone gets to see his flaws. Due to being inebriated, his emotions got the better of him and he got into an argument with his girlfriend. He's not like this normally.

'I also want to apologise on behalf of my dad. Unfortunately my father has a problem with alcohol. He is now in recovery.'

He also passed on a brief statement from his father that read:

'I am incredibly sorry for my actions and I'm especially sorry to everyone affected by my drinking. I am seeking help and I promise I will be the best person I can be going forward. Thank you for understanding.'

Following his arrest, Thomas Jr called his former wife Tracy Dooley, 51, - pictured with their sons Thomas Dooley Markle (left) and Tyler Dooley Markle (right) - and asked her to put up his $1,500 bond before being released at 10am on Friday morning

Meghan has visited the Prince in London at least twice and stayed at Kensington Palace. The pair are expected to go skiing next month

Prince Harry first met Meghan's father 'about six months ago in Toronto', Thomas Jr has revealed previously

The relationship between Harry, 32, and Meghan, 35, is thought to be serious – with the pair celebrating New Year's Eve together on a romantic holiday to Norway.

They are also believed to be planning a further trip - this time to the upmarket ski resort of Verbier, in Switzerland - in February.

Earlier this month, Thomas Jr told DailyMail.com that his sister is 'very much in love' with the royal and said he hopes to meet the Prince one day.

He also said, in an exclusive interview with this website, that the couple are 'extremely happy together' and revealed that his father, a former lighting director, has met Harry.

'They're extremely happy together, they look great together and she's done good', Thomas Jr told DailyMail.com.

'She's very much in love and she's obviously happy because if she wasn't happy, she wouldn't be there.

'So she is happy and [the relationship is] taking off, which is good, and I wish them all the best. I couldn't be happier for her.'

He added: 'I think it is wonderful. As long as he takes care of and loves Meg, he doesn't have to do anything else – although I would like to shake his hand and meet him.'