CALIFORNIA, Md. (January 3, 2012)—A large crowd at a bar in
St. Mary's County got way out of hand early New Year's morning resulting in one
man being shot and wounded in the leg by an unknown gunman. Police were already
on scene attempting to control the crowd when the shooting took place. Maryland State Police describe the bar, Friendly's Sports Bar, located at 23490 Budds Creek Road in Clements, as having a reputation for large crowds, fights, and disorderly conduct.
Police say they were called to the bar at 3:17 a.m. on January 1. Troopers from the Leonardtown barrack were the first to respond to attempt to control the estimated crowd of 150 people. While
troopers were on scene, several fights erupted, causing police to request more assistance. Troopers and deputies from the tri-county area responded to assist with crowd control. Trooper 7 also responded.
Police say some officers were also dispatched to other locations in St. Mary's County that the bar patrons are known to frequent after they leave Friendly's.
Police report that while the officers were attempting to control the situation, one shot was fired within the crowd by an unknown suspect.
The bullet struck an adult victim in the leg, causing a minor, non-life threatening injury. No troopers or deputies were injured and no one else reported being shot.
Police say the victim was immediately pulled by troopers to a safe location and a crime scene was established. Troopers located a loaded weapon in the parking lot of the establishment and it is believed to be the weapon used to commit the crime. The weapon was processed and forwarded to the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division for further analysis.
Police say troopers interviewed the victim, who wasn't forthcoming with information. The victim refused medical treatment on scene and was released.
Anyone with information pertaining to this crime is urged to contact Senior Trooper Malaspina at the Leonardtown Barrack, the lead investigator in this case.