MECHANICSVILLE, Md. - According to the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, on December 3, 2006, at approximately 02:24 a.m., road patrol officers responded to a complaint of an assault with a firearm. The victim reported that he was involved in an altercation with his roommate during a party at their residence. During the altercation, the suspect pointed two handguns at the victim and his girlfriend and pulled the trigger multiple times. The handguns did not discharge.
The suspect was identified as Ryan Lee Barber, a white male, born on 3/31/1983. The name of the victims were not disclosed by police.
Based on the investigation conducted by road patrol officers, it was learned that following the assault, Barber left the scene in his work vehicle. Patrol officers subsequently located Barber at his mother's residence in Mechanicsville, Maryland. Barber was arrested and charged with First and Second Degree Assault and Reckless Endangerment. He was held at the Detention Center on $250,000.00 Bond. He was later released after his mother posted bond on December 5, 2006.
Detectives from the St. Mary's County Bureau of Criminal Investigations, with the assistance from the States Attorney's Office for St. Mary's County, obtained a Search and Seizure Warrant for Ryan Barber's mother's residence. As a result of the subsequent search of the home, several items of evidence related to this investigation were recovered to include several firearms and assorted ammunition.
While executing the Search and Seizure Warrant, the suspect's brother, Brett Barber was contacted by police at his residence next door. The police say he responded to his mother's residence and was in the process of being interviewed on the front porch when he walked into the residence and began exploring the rooms. He was directed by Detectives on numerous occasions to stop and be seated on the sofa.
According to police, Brett Barber acted in a belligerent manner and ignored Detective's directions. Barber then placed his hands on Detective Safford and began to push. He was then told he was under arrest. A brief struggle ensued. D/Sgt. McCauley and Detective Safford were assaulted during the incident. There were no injuries sustained to the Detectives or the suspect involved in the assault.
Brett Barber was subsequently restrained in handcuffs and charged with Failing to Obey a Lawful Order, Hindering, and Resisting Arrest.