ECSO search for 1 in attempted burglary

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WALA) - Deputies said the Northwoods Apartment complex on 9 ^th Avenue was the scene of a frightening situation for a woman and her young child when two men forced their way into their apartment around 8 p. m. Thursday and held them at gunpoint.

Investigators said it all began when the victim arrived home from work. They said she was trying to unload her child when she was approached by Donald Ray Holmes, 32, and another armed male.

They said Holmes and another man forced the woman and her child into their apartment and then began trying to steal what they could.

Deputy Matthew Baxter said another resident actually witnessed the men dragging the woman and the child into the apartment and called 911. He said deputies were nearby and responded within minutes.

“Once deputies got on scene the two suspects started running. Deputies were able to arrest one of the men after he threw an object over the fence which turned out to be a handgun," said Baxter.

Authorities identified the suspect as Holmes and they say the object was a silver handgun. Deputies said the gun was used to threaten the woman and her child.

Deputies brought out a canine search to the area but were unable to find the other suspect. They said they’re glad to get at least one of the violent suspects off the streets.

“Anytime that we’re able to get some of the suspects off the streets it feels good. Hopefully, it means one less victim,” Baxter said.

Authorities say Holmes is a convicted felon and faces numerous felony charges including aggravated assault, battery, possession of a weapon, home invasion robbery and resisting an officer.

Holmes is being held in the Escambia County Jail under a $222,000 bond. 

Deputies describe the other suspect as a heavy set, black male that they say could be armed and dangerous.

If you have any information on the crime, contact the Escambia County Sheriff's Office or the Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers.