Local News

Md. Shooting Suspect Arrested In South Carolina

BALTIMORE (WJZ) ― A Maryland man is behind bars in South Carolina.

Dennis Edwards reports his arrest comes nearly two weeks after police say he shot the victim in a Parkville neighborhood.

The victim is a former Baltimore County police officer. After a 10-day search, the suspect was taken into custody in North Carolina.

The FBI traced Erick Thomas from Baltimore to Florence, S.C.

He was taken into custody without incident after allegedly shooting Clint Michael Orndorff as he changed a tire in front of his Doncaster Village Apartment near Joppa Road.

"I was surprised because it's so quiet around here all the time. I mean, I don't see people walking around or anything," said Rachael Willis, neighbor.

Witnesses say Thomas, wearing a black ski mask, approached Orndorff and attempted to shoot him.

The gun apparently misfired. As Orndorff ran toward his apartment, Thomas allegedly chased him managing to get off several shots.

One hit Orndorff in the back. He was treated and released from Shock Trauma.

Thomas fled the city for South Carolina.

Police aren't talking about whether the shooting may have been related to a prior arrest involving the victim and the suspect.

Eyewitness News learned Orndorff is a former Baltimore County policeman. Neighbors say he's since moved away, but they are relieved to hear an arrest was made.

"We're absolutely relieved, even though we thought that it was a targeted thing. But we're awfully glad that it's over," said Pat Allen.

There's no word on when Thomas will return to Baltimore or what charges he'll face.

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