MAN CHARGED WITH MULTIPLE COUNTS OF FIRST-DEGREE ASSAULT/OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING: On February 24 at 11:20 p.m., officers responded to the 3400 block of Azalea Place in Waldorf for the report of a domestic-related assault in progress. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victim who fled the house and was waiting nearby for police. The victim reported the suspect, her boyfriend, had just assaulted her, choked her and threatened to shoot her. The victim indicated the suspect had several guns in the house and may be armed. Officers approached the residence and observed the suspect standing at the front door, which was open, holding a shotgun pointed in their direction. Officers immediately took cover and gave numerous commands for the suspect to drop the weapon. The suspect ignored the requests and suddenly walked outside with the gun still pointed in their direction. One of the officers, who was in the direct line of fire and feared for his life, discharged his firearm striking the suspect. The suspect fell but continued reaching for the shotgun. A police K9 was released and distracted the suspect while officers moved in to secure him and the weapon.
Officers took immediate action to render medical aid to the suspect who had a serious injury to his leg. The suspect, 39, was flown to a hospital where was admitted in stable condition. Medical personnel said the officers’ aid likely saved the suspect’s life. The woman, 41, had injuries consistent with being choked and was treated on the scene by EMS. The suspect will be charged with multiple counts of first-degree assault and reckless endangerment.
The officer involved is a 22-year-veteran of law enforcement and has been with the CCSO for two years. He has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with Agency policy. The investigation is continuing.
Charles County Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest or indictment of a person responsible for a crime in Charles County. Anyone with information about an unsolved crime or the location of a fugitive may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, texting CHARLES + the tip to CRIMES (274637) or submitting tips online at tipsubmit.com. All individuals who provide tips through Crime Solvers will remain anonymous. Learn more at the CCSO’s website.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service law enforcement agency comprised of more than 600 police, corrections and civilian personnel responsible for protecting more than 150,000 residents. The CCSO was accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in 2001 has been designated as a CALEA Gold Standard of Excellence agency since 2011. Established in 1658, the CCSO is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the United States. For more information, visit ccso.us.
Media Contact
Diane Richardson
301-609-6557
richardsond@ccso.us