LA PLATA, Md. (Feb. 5, 2016)—A Charles Co. deputy shot a
20-year-old man Thursday around 2:07 p.m. after stopping to investigate a roadside altercation. According to the preliminary investigation, the
man was armed with a handgun in his waistband.
The man was identified as Anthony Darrell Taylor, 23, of no fixed address.
The sheriff's office spokesperson said PFC L. Blake, a K9 officer and a
seven-year veteran of the CCSO, was in the area of Post Office Road and St.
Charles Parkway in Waldorf when he observed Taylor attempting to gain entry
into an SUV that was stopped at a red light. Taylor was acting aggressively
and pulling on the car door handle.
Police say Blake pulled over to assist the motorist, at which point the suspect fled.
The driver of the SUV left as well. The officer gave several commands for the suspect to stop and show his hands, but the suspect refused.
Blake gave more commands but the suspect did not comply and instead reached for his waistband while turning toward the officer. Fearing for his safety, the officer discharged his firearm striking the suspect twice.
An off-duty Secret Service agent was in the area and assisted the officer in apprehending the suspect. A handgun was found in the suspect's waistband. Officers secured the weapon and immediately rendered first aid to the suspect until paramedics arrived.
Taylor was transported to a hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
A check of the weapon found on Taylor revealed the gun had been reported
stolen during a burglary in Pennsylvania.
The driver of the SUV
contacted investigators and reported he did not know Taylor and thought
Taylor was trying to get inside his car and commit a carjacking.
Taylor was charged Friday with first-degree assault, second-degree assault,
and possession of a handgun.
In accordance with the sheriff's office policy, the officer was placed on administrative leave pending the completion of the investigation.
Detectives assigned to the CCSO Criminal Investigations Division are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Sgt. T. Miner at (301) 609-6481.
Updated 05-Feb-2016 @2:55 p.m. to include the officer's name, the
suspect's name, the chargled levied, and details of the victim.