LEONARDTOWN, MD — Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Fort Washington man on Friday after he allegedly forced his way into a residence, assaulted the homeowner, and was found armed with multiple weapons and wearing body armor.
Authorities responded to a 911 call from the 45000 block of Military Lane, where a resident reported that a man was attempting to break into his home. During the emergency call, dispatchers overheard sounds of a struggle, indicating the suspect had entered the residence.
Upon arrival, deputies located the suspect, identified as Robert Eric Hyatt Jr., 38, inside the home. He surrendered without incident. A search revealed that Hyatt was carrying a 9mm handgun, brass knuckles, a large knife, and was wearing body armor.
The homeowner was found injured on the balcony, suffering from a gunshot wound to the shoulder and a head laceration. Emergency medical services, including Maryland State Police Aviation Command, transported the victim to a nearby hospital. His current condition has not been released.
Hyatt has been charged with multiple offenses, including attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, wearing body armor during a violent crime, and burglary-related charges. He is being held at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown.
The investigation is being led by Detective Benjamin Raley of the Criminal Investigations Division. Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the incident to contact Detective Raley at 301-475-4200, ext. 8076, or via email at Benjamin.Raley@stmaryscountymd.gov.
