Charles County Sheriff’s Office officers arrested a 48-year-old Waldorf woman late October 15, 2025, after she allegedly shot her boyfriend in the hip during an argument at their apartment in the 6000 block of New Forest Court. The victim, an adult male, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. Latasha Carmita Simmons faces charges of first-degree assault, use of a firearm during a felony and second-degree assault following the incident, which authorities described as domestic-related.
Patrol officers responded to the scene at 10:10 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they located the victim outside with a gunshot wound to the hip. He informed officers that Simmons, his girlfriend, had fired the shot and remained inside the residence. Officers entered the apartment, located Simmons and took her into custody without further incident. A preliminary investigation determined the couple had been arguing when Simmons retrieved a firearm and discharged it, striking the victim.
Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division secured a search warrant for the apartment and recovered a firearm believed to be involved in the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing under Detective Furr, with no additional suspects identified at this time. The sheriff’s office has not released further details on the victim’s condition or any prior history between the individuals.
Under Maryland law, first-degree assault is classified as a felony when it involves the use of a firearm to intentionally cause or attempt to cause serious physical injury. Conviction can result in up to 25 years’ imprisonment. The charge of using a firearm during a felony carries mandatory minimum sentences, often five years without parole eligibility for a first offense, as outlined in state statutes prohibiting firearm use in crimes of violence. Second-degree assault, a misdemeanor, addresses battery or attempts to cause physical harm and is punishable by up to 10 years in prison or fines. These charges reflect the state’s emphasis on addressing gun-related violence, particularly in domestic contexts, where Maryland courts often impose enhanced penalties to deter escalation.
Procedures for handling domestic-related shootings in Charles County follow standard protocols under Maryland’s warrant requirements and emergency response guidelines. Officers may enter a residence without a warrant if exigent circumstances exist, such as immediate danger or fresh pursuit, as affirmed in state case law. In this case, the victim’s statement provided probable cause for entry to ensure safety and apprehend the suspect. Post-arrest, detectives obtain search warrants from district court judges to collect evidence, ensuring chain-of-custody compliance for items like firearms, which are tested at the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division lab in Pikesville.
Charles County’s approach to domestic violence includes collaboration with the Family Violence Unit, which investigates patterns and connects victims to resources. The sheriff’s office participates in the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, offering training for officers on de-escalation and victim support. Local courts issue protective orders under Family Law Article 4-506, allowing temporary exclusion of alleged abusers from shared residences. In fiscal year 2024, Charles County District Court processed hundreds of such petitions, reflecting community efforts to interrupt cycles of violence.
Statewide initiatives bolster local responses, with Maryland’s Lethality Assessment Program requiring officers to screen for high-risk factors in domestic incidents, potentially referring victims to hotlines like the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Charles County also funds shelters through partnerships with organizations such as LifeStyles of Maryland Foundation, providing emergency housing in La Plata for those affected by family violence.
