By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — A man charged in May with stabbing Matthew Morris at Lancaster’s Car Wash will serve more than two years for his involvement in the incident.
A judge sentenced Samuel Caldwell IV, 21, to 25 months to 39 months for the incident, which sent Morris to the hospital. Caldwell pleaded no contest to two counts common law robbery and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.
According to police, Morris and a juvenile were vacuuming his car when a blue minivan with six men inside pulled up next to them. Police said one of the men punched Morris in the face, and as Morris was seated in his car, others stabbed him in the stomach with an 8-inch knife and robbed him of $250.
The victim told investigators they fought and then he began to feel light-headed. He initially didn’t know he was stabbed.
Investigators believe there was conflict between Morris and Caldwell because the defendant was dating the mother of Morris’ child.
Caldwell’s attorney, Rick Locklear, said his client initially denied involvement but later told Locklear he acted in self-defense.
Judge Kevin Bridges consolidated Caldwell’s charges. He received credit for the time he served. He has been in the Rowan County Detention Center since his May arrest. He was also ordered to enroll in behavior modification courses and job training while in prison.
Caldwell was also ordered not to have contact with Morris. He has previously been convicted of drug possession.
A case is still pending against two others involved, prosecutors said.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.