LEXINGTON PARK, MD – A Lexington Park man was arrested early this morning following a domestic-related shooting incident in the 22000 block of Valley Estates Drive.
St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call of shots fired at approximately 2:30 a.m. Upon arrival, officers found several Aguila .380 caliber shell casings on the ground near an apartment.
Witnesses reported hearing an argument between a man and a woman during which the man allegedly threatened to shoot the woman. Shortly after the dispute, multiple gunshots were heard coming from the area.
No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
Search and Arrest
Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division obtained a search warrant for the residence. During the search, they found Donnie Richardson, 49, of Lexington Park, hiding in a closet. He was taken into custody without incident.
Inside the residence, deputies discovered a Ruger .380 caliber handgun loaded with Aguila-brand ammunition, matching the shell casings found outside. Additionally, a box of identical ammunition was recovered in another part of the apartment.
Legal Prohibitions and Charges
The investigation revealed that Richardson is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to a prior conviction for a disqualifying crime. As a result, he was charged with the following offenses:
- Possession of a regulated firearm by a person convicted of a disqualifying crime
- Possession of ammunition after being prohibited from firearm ownership
- Reckless endangerment
- Two counts of wearing or carrying a handgun on or about their person
Medical Evaluation and Detention
Richardson requested medical evaluation for an unrelated preexisting condition and was transported to a nearby hospital. After receiving treatment and being discharged, he was transferred to the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, where he remains incarcerated pending a bond hearing.
Investigation Ongoing
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Detective Warren Forinash at 301-475-4200, ext. 8072, or via email at Warren.Forinash@stmaryscountymd.gov.
