In a concerning episode that unfolded in Leonardtown, Maryland, law enforcement officials were summoned to investigate a threatening incident involving a firearm. On the evening of Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Carl James Zimmerman, a 19-year-old resident of Hollywood, Maryland, reportedly menaced several coworkers with a shotgun as they exited their workplace.
According to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, the alarming event occurred around 9:45 p.m. in the parking lot of a business located on Point Lookout Road. Deputies arrived at the scene the following day after receiving a distress call from the business owner.
Victims, all employees of the establishment, recounted to the deputies that Zimmerman, a fellow employee, had driven by them, rolled down his window, and pointed a 12-gauge “bullpup” style shotgun at them in a menacing manner. The firearm was later confirmed to be legally registered to Zimmerman.
Following the incident, deputies promptly identified and located Zimmerman at his residence. He was arrested without further incident and the shotgun was seized. Zimmerman is now facing charges of four counts of first-degree assault and four counts of second-degree assault.
He was subsequently transported to the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown for processing.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the motives behind Zimmerman’s actions and are calling on the public for any additional information. Individuals with knowledge about the case are encouraged to contact Deputy Mina Geric at Mina.Geric@stmaryscountymd.gov or by phone at 301-475-4200, ext. 8166.
The incident has stirred concerns among local residents about workplace safety and the potential for violence in seemingly safe environments. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is taking the matter seriously, as indicated by their swift response and thorough investigation.
