Authorities investigating stabbing in Vass

Authorities are investigating a stabbing in Vass. The incident occurred at a home on Creek Bend Drive Friday.

According to radio traffic, sheriff’s deputies and emergency crews were dispatched to reports of a man stabbed around 8 p.m.

Law enforcement at the scene of a stabbing in Vass on May 5. Video by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Abegail Murphy. 

According to radio traffic, when deputies arrived, they found the man injured, but the suspect fled. The victim identified the attacker, and authorities issued a BOLO (be on the lookout) report for the suspect.

According to information from the Moore County Detention Center, Thomas Shields, 63, of Vass, was arrested at 10:22 p.m., and he is facing a charge of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury. He was placed under a $250,000 secured bond. 

Photo of Thomas Shields from a February arrest from Moore County Sheriff’s Office.

The victim, who was identified as Derrick McLean, 51, in a press release issued by Moore County Sheriff’s Office, was transported by EMS to FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital with stab wounds to the rib cage and the wrist. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Feature photo: Law enforcement investigates a stabbing in Vass on May 5—photo by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Abegail Murphy.

Defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Publisher B.J. Goodridge.