Domestic Altercation Suspect Arrested After Gunfire Incident in Lexington Park
LEXINGTON PARK, MD – Donnie Richardson, a 49-year-old man from Lexington Park, was taken into custody early this morning following a domestic-related shooting incident in the 22000 block of Valley Estates Drive. St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies swiftly responded to a call of shots fired around 2:30 a.m., discovering several Aguila .380 caliber shell casings near an apartment where the disturbance occurred. Witnesses recounted an argument between a man and a woman, with the man allegedly threatening to shoot the woman. Subsequently, multiple gunshots rang out in the vicinity.
Search and Arrest
Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division secured a search warrant for the residence, leading to the discovery of Richardson hiding in a closet. Without resistance, he was apprehended.
Inside the apartment, law enforcement found a Ruger .380 caliber handgun loaded with Aguila-brand ammunition, matching the shell casings outside. Moreover, a box of identical ammunition was uncovered in a separate area of the dwelling.
Legal Prohibitions and Charges
Further inquiry unveiled Richardson’s ineligibility to possess firearms or ammunition due to a previous conviction for a disqualifying crime. Consequently, he faces charges including possession of a regulated firearm by a person convicted of a disqualifying crime, possession of ammunition post-prohibition from firearm ownership, reckless endangerment, and two counts of wearing or carrying a handgun on their person.
Medical Evaluation and Detention
Following his arrest, Richardson requested medical evaluation for an unrelated preexisting condition, prompting transfer to a nearby hospital. Upon treatment and discharge, he was relocated to the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, where he remains in custody pending a bond hearing.
Investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office urging anyone with relevant information to reach out to Detective Warren Forinash at 301-475-4200, ext. 8072, or via email at Warren.Forinash@stmaryscountymd.gov.
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