Maryland police issue criminal charges in shooting

A report of a shooting will get any police officer’s attention. When a report of shots fired is dispatched, police will often respond in large numbers to canvas the area and to gather evidence. In many of these cases, beyond the victims of the shooting being transported to the hospital, the officers’ main focus will be on quickly apprehending the alleged suspect so they can issue criminal charges against them in a Maryland court.

Police have recently taken a man into custody who they claim fired shots that struck two individuals. Police were called to the scene of a shooting at around 8:30 p.m. When they arrived, they discovered that two men in two different vehicles had exchanged words. One of the men is then alleged to have pulled a gun and fired several shots.

The passerby, a 21-year-old man, was transported to an area hospital to be treated. He is expected to survive. It is unclear at this time what condition the other victim is in, although it was disclosed that he was shot in the leg.

The investigation conducted by police led them to issue an arrest warrant for a 19-year-old male who they claim was the shooter. The man turned himself in to police and now faces several assault charges. He is currently being held on $1 million bail.

What is unclear at this time is the evidence that Maryland police are relying on in issuing their criminal charges against the man. The evidence that supports their warrant will be crucial in evaluating how strong of a case they may have against the man currently in custody. If the evidence is weak, this could lead to a judge or jury finding that there is not enough evidence to support a conviction and thus the man should be set free.

Source: thebaynet.com, Update: Man charged in connection with first-degree assault/shooting, Mike Wilson and Tiffany Barthelme, Aug. 23, 2013