DATE: February 26, 2021                

CONTACT: Diane Richardson
Media Relations Office
(301) 609-6557 or (240) 682-1658

On February 26 at 12:23 a.m., officers responded to a house on Malcolm Road in Brandywine for the report of an assault involving a firearm. When officers arrived, they were informed the suspect was inside the house with two young children and armed with a gun. Moments earlier, the suspect had been involved in an argument with the victim and attempted to assault her. Two other adults in the house intervened at which time the suspect grabbed a gun and pointed it at one of the people trying to help. The victims were able to run outside and call police. Officers made entry into the home and ensured the safety of the children. They were able to secure the firearm, de-escalate the situation, and apprehend the suspect without further incident. John Cornelius Washington, 44, of Brandywine, was charged with illegal possession of a firearm, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and other related charges. Officer J. Bottorf and PFC S. Hooper investigated.

John Cornelius Washington

The CCSO was accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) in 2001 and has since earned the highest rating of Excellence. Established in 1658, the CCSO is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the United States. For more information, visit www.ccso.us.

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