LEONARDTOWN, MD (January 2, 2025) — A Lexington Park man has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree assault, child abuse, and unlawful firearm possession, following a New Year’s Day disturbance involving a juvenile and a firearm.
St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a residence in the 22000 block of Oxford Court at approximately 7:52 p.m. on January 1, 2025. The call stemmed from a report of an assault and the presence of a firearm.
Incident Details
Witnesses told deputies that Timothy Ignatius Gatton, 22, assaulted a female juvenile during what began as horseplay. The juvenile’s mother explained that her child had accidentally kicked Gatton in the face, prompting him to retaliate by kicking the juvenile in the ribs. Emergency medical personnel treated the victim at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries.
Deputies were also informed that a firearm was inside the residence. During the investigation, they located an unserialized 9mm handgun. The firearm, which was confirmed to belong to Gatton, was not registered.
Escalation to Threats
In a separate incident reported by a male resident of the home, Gatton allegedly pulled the 9mm handgun from his waistband during a verbal argument, pointed it at the man, and pulled the trigger. The weapon did not discharge, but the action added to the severity of the charges Gatton now faces.
Arrest and Charges
Gatton was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown. He has been charged with the following:
- First-degree assault
- Child abuse
- Unlawful possession of an unserialized firearm
Ongoing Investigation
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case. No further details were released as of this time.
Community Response
The incident underscores the importance of firearm safety and the dangers posed by escalating domestic disputes. Authorities encourage residents to report potentially dangerous situations to law enforcement to prevent further harm.
Gatton’s preliminary hearing has not yet been scheduled.
