Attempted Murder Suspect At Large

Spotsylvania County deputies continue to search for Thomas Jerel Baldwin who was indicted on Feb. 21 on numerous felonies related to a drive-by shooting last year that hit an 11-year-old in the back while sleeping.

Sheriff's Office spokesman Mike Harvey said that Baldwin, 22, was identified as the chief suspect of the Sept. 18, 2011, shooting. He said Detective James Lay was the lead investigator in the case.

Baldwin has been indicted on two counts of attempted murder and one count each of the following: malicious wounding, discharging a firearm at an occupied home, shooting a firearm in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony. Harvey said Baldwin is to be considered armed and dangerous. If you know his whereabouts, contact police immediately.

He said the 11-year-old boy has fully recovered.

"The bullet was slowed by the wall and removed by doctors with no complications," Harvey said. 

In other Spotsylvania crime news, Harvey said a 20-year-old man was stabbed during a fight at Courtland Commons Shopping Center on Courthouse Road at about 3:10 p.m. on Feb. 21. Deputies responded to a fight in progress and saw several people run away from the scene. The victim was suffering from a stab wound to his abdomen and he was taken to the hospital.

Errol Lamont Kelly Jr., 23, was charged with malicious wounding. Harvey said two juveniles were involved in the fight at first and other people got involved. A deputy used a canine to find the knife that police belief was used in the fight.

Kelly remains in jail without bond.