LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Aug. 5, 2008) - The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Department today released the following incident and arrest report.
BURGLARY, ASSAULT, RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT: On 08/04/08 at approximately 12:00 a.m. deputies responded to a report of shots fired on Cecil Ave in Leonardtown. Investigation revealed Charles Eugene Castle II, 38 of Leonardtown, and Joshua Ezekiel Shafer, 30 of Compton, shortly before the shooting complaint had gone to a residence located on Cedar Street in Leonardtown. Suspect Castle knew the owner's of the residence and knocked on the door. The victim answered the door and told Castle and Shafer it was too late at night for them to enter the residence. Castle and Shafer then forced there way into the residence. While in the residence, Castle and Shafer physically assaulted the owner of the residence and a second victim. All occupants of the residence were able to flee from the residence. Castle and Shafer then left the residence. Matthew Fletcher Bernd, 20 of Leonardtown, an occupant of the Cedar Street residence went to a near by relative's residence on Cecil Avenue in Leonardtown, where he obtained a .38 caliber revolver. Matthew Bernd then saw Charles Castle walking on Cecil Avenue coming towards him. Bernd went into the street and confronted Charles Castle and hold him to get away from them. Matthew Bernd then fired one shot from the .38 caliber revolver into the air. The neighborhood is congested with houses and discharging a firearm caused a danger to those who reside in the neighborhood.
Charles Eugene Castle II and Joshua Ezekiel Shafer were each charged with 1st, 3rd and 4th degree burglary and numerous counts of second degree assault.
Matthew Fletcher Bernd was charged with one count of reckless endangerment.