UPDATE: On September 1, 2020, during a family dispute, the suspect later identified as
Gregory Wayne Arnold Sr. age 48 of Callaway, shot the two victims multiple times at a
residence in the 22900 block of Newtowne Neck Road in Leonardtown. Victim Stephen
Edward Arnold, age 72, of Leonardtown, was transported to an area trauma center for
treatment, and ultimately succumbed to the injuries sustained in the shooting. Victim
Rosalea Denise Arnold, age 66 of Leonardtown, was transported to an area trauma
center for treatment and remains in critical condition.
Arnold Sr. was observed by deputies shortly after the shooting operating a vehicle on
Route 5 in Mechanicsville, and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The vehicle pursuit continued
into Charles County, and then back into St. Mary’s County, where Arnold stopped the
vehicle in the roadway on Route 234 near the intersection of Route 236. Arnold, who
was armed with two handguns, refused to exit the vehicle and a barricade was
declared. Members of the Critical Incident Negotiations Team (CINT), and members of
the Emergency Services Team (EST) responded to the scene and negotiators from
CINT began negotiating with Arnold in attempt to peacefully resolve the barricade.
Arnold Sr. ultimately sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was transported to an area trauma center for treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office wishes to thank the Charles County Sheriff’s
Office and the Maryland State Police for their assistance during this incident.
The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as they become available.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detective James Bare a
(301) 475-4200 extension 78118 or by email at James.Bare@stmarysmd.com.
UPDATE via St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office @ 6:18 p.m.:
On September 1, 2020, at approximately 1:15 p.m. deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 22900 block of Newtowne Neck Road in Leonardtown, for the reported shooting. Deputies arrived on scene and discovered two victims had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
Both victims, a male age 72 and a female age 66, of Leonardtown, were transported to area trauma centers for the treatment of the injuries sustained.
A male suspect, age 48 of Callaway, was identified and located by deputies operating a vehicle northbound on Route 5 in Mechanicsville. A vehicle pursuit ensued and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and Maryland State Police responded and assisted in the vehicle pursuit. The suspect stopped his vehicle in the roadway in the area of Route 234 and Route 236 in Mechanicsville.
The armed suspect refused to exit the vehicle, and a barricade was declared. The suspect ultimately sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was transported via helicopter to an area trauma center for treatment.
The investigation is ongoing and updates will be provided as they become available.
Citizens may remain anonymous and contact Crime Solvers at (301) 475-3333, or text a tip to “TIP239” plus their message to “CRIMES” (274637). Through the Crime Solvers Program tipsters are eligible for an award of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St. Mary’s County that leads to an arrest or indictment
UPDATE 5:00 p.m.: The scene in Budds Creek is still active. Rt. 234 and 236 will be closed for 1-2 hours. The shooting investigation in Leonardtown continues and an update will be made when available on Wednesday, Sept. 2. Expect no further updates this evening. There is no threat to the public
UPDATE via Nixle @ 2:43 p.m: Following a shooting incident in Leonardtown, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office has located the suspect in Budds Creek where there is currently a barricade in the area of Rt. 234 and Rt. 236 where roads are closed. Avoid the area.
UPDATE 2:30 p.m- The SMCSO has shut down Route 234 and Route 236 in Mechanicsville, MD. Sources have told the Southern Maryland Chronicle this is in relation to the shooting and units are staging in the area to assist.
Multiple police, Emergency Service Team(EST), Rescue and Fire personnel are staging at or near the scene. A Maryland State Police Helicopter has been requested to standby at Chaptico Park.
Police are asking the community to avoid the area of Route 234 and Route 2136 in the area of Maryland International Raceway.
The Southern Maryland Chronicle will bring updates as they develop.
Leonardtown, MD- Police, and Rescue units are on the scene of a shooting on Newtowne Neck Road near Bay Breeze Lane.
It is reported that two individuals have been shot. Trooper 7(MEDEVAC) is en route to land at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for transport to an area trauma center for one or both of the victims.
Watch for emergency vehicles and personnel in the area.
This is a developing story…