WALDORF, Md. — A critical domestic violence incident unfolded in Waldorf on August 18, resulting in the rescue of a severely injured woman and the suicide of the suspect, local authorities confirmed. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) engaged in a multi-hour standoff that ended tragically but with the victim’s successful extraction from a dangerous environment.
The situation began after the woman’s out-of-state family contacted the sheriff’s office, expressing concern for her safety. They reported that she had not been in contact for several days and was in a physically abusive relationship with 42-year-old Howard Theodore Coleman, Jr.
Officers initially attempted to reach the woman at her home in the 9300 block of Brechin Place but were unable to make contact. As the gravity of the situation became clearer, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) took charge, securing a search warrant for the residence.
The response escalated with the deployment of the CCSO’s Emergency Services Team (EST) after Coleman refused to cooperate. Despite the use of a drone and the involvement of hostage negotiators, Coleman remained uncooperative and agitated. During negotiations, it was discovered that the woman had sustained multiple stab wounds and severe lacerations.
As negotiations continued, the EST strategically entered the residence, managing to rescue the woman. She was immediately attended to by waiting emergency medical personnel and subsequently airlifted to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, including multiple stab wounds to her head and upper body and a possible broken jaw.
In a simultaneous sequence, as officers rescued the victim, Coleman ended his life with a self-inflicted gunshot. He was pronounced dead at the scene, where officers recovered a rifle, a handgun, bulletproof vests, and large-capacity magazines. Coleman was known to have a history of violent criminal behavior, and authorities noted the presence of multiple firearms at the location.
Sheriff Troy D. Berry emphasized the perilous nature of the incident and the critical response by law enforcement and medical teams. “This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of swift, coordinated action by law enforcement. The officers and medical responders played a crucial role in ensuring the successful rescue of the victim and immediate medical care. We are committed to supporting her through her recovery,” Sheriff Berry stated.
Detective Worley is currently leading the ongoing investigation into the incident. The CCSO continues to process the scene and gather evidence in cooperation with the Forensic Science Services (FSS).