One Injured in Shooting at Fredericksburg Apartment Complex

The man accused of shooting a neighbor in The Commons at Cowan Boulevard apartments was taken into custody at 2:20 a.m. on Nov. 1.

"Charges are pending against Michael Allen Bailey, 50, of Fredericksburg," Natatia Bledsoe, Fredericksburg Police Department public information officer said.

See: Neighbor Chronicles Shooting Scene Using Twitter

The incident began at 8:40 p.m. Oct. 31 when police received a call for an adult male who had been shot.  The victim, a 52-year-old man who lives in the apartment complex, was located outside an apartment suffering from non life-threatening gunshot wounds to his shoulder and back, Bledsoe said.  He was evacuated to a safe location, and then transported to the hospital.

The victim told police he has known Bailey for about a year and a half and they have had many disputes prior to the assault.

Immediately after the shooting, Bailey retreated to his apartment and was seen holding a gun and breaking out the windows of his residence, Bledsoe said.

The Fredericksburg Special Equipment and Tactical Team (SETT) and Crisis Negotiation Team responded to the scene. "Communication was established very quickly with the shooter and was ongoing throughout the incident," Bledsoe said.

Residents of the complex were told by police to remain indoors until the situation was resolved or until they were contacted by police or apartment management and told to evacuate.

Troopers from the Virginia State Police, deputies from the Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and Stafford Sheriff’s Offices, and officers from the Prince William County Police Department also deployed to assist with containment and tactical support. The Fredericksburg Fire Department positioned their command vehicle and provided assistance with medical and technical hazard mitigation.

The suspect fired a weapon several more times both inside and outside his apartment after officers arrived, and at one point a Fredericksburg officer returned fire, Bledsoe said.

"Police evacuated residents from the apartments immediately surrounding the unit occupied by the gunman," Bledsoe said.  "The evacuated residents were sheltered in the training room of Police Headquarters, which is located next to the apartment complex."  

Nearly six hours after the initial shooting, Bailey walked out of his apartment and surrendered to police. Bailey was transported to Mary Washington Hospital for minor injuries sustained during the incident. The extent and details of his injuries are unknown at this time.

The investigation is ongoing.

Editor's Note:  On June 6, 2008, Fredericksburg Police Officer Todd Bahr was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call at this same apartment complex.

Related Stories:

• Remembering Fallen Police Officer Bahr
• Officer Joe Young Honored as National Officer of the Month

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