On January 15th, Officers responded to the call of a shooting at a Lexington Park residence. Upon arrival Officers were advised by neighbors that the victim had been shot and was inside a nearby residence. Officers were unable to get a response at the door and forced entry. Once inside the Officers located the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the lower arm.
Two (2) Patrol Officers were overcome by unknown fumes and responded to St. Mary's Hospital for evaluation. A third Officer and two (2) potential witnesses also responded to St. Mary's Hospital as an exposure precaution. Everyone was treated and released. St. Mary's County Emergency Management Personnel, Patuxent River Naval Air Station Haz-Mat Team and various St. Mary's County Volunteer Fire Departments and Rescue Squads responded. Approximately fifty (50) persons were evacuated from their homes before the vapors and odors were deemed non-threatening.
The entire inside of the residence was established and set up to support the growth of marijuana. BCI Detectives responded and continued the investigation into the shooting and BCI Narcotics Detectives continued the investigation into the illegal controlled substances.
Detectives seized approximately one hundred and twenty (120) marijuana plants having a street value of approximately $120,000.00, one (1) pound of processed marijuana that was ready for sale (street value of $1,600.), approximately $200.00 worth of Hash, $500.00 in mushrooms, various pills (Quaaludes valued at $400.00).
Samuels was in possession of more than $20,000.00 worth of growing equipment, some of which were seized. Two (2) handguns and a 2002 Honda Civic were seized as well. Narcotics Detectives further investigated and a seizure of Samuels banking accounts. Nearly $12,000.00 was seized.
The victim, Brian Samuels (25 years of age of Lexington Park) was treated and released from St. Mary's Hospital for his gunshot wound and then arrested. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Samuels was charged with possession of marijuana and manufacturing marijuana. Additional charges are pending a State's Attorney and Grand Jury review. He is currently awaiting a hearing before the District Court Commissioner.