Darrin Michael Atlas, 48, of Leonardtown, was arrested April 13, 2026, by detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division on multiple charges following an alleged assault three days earlier in Leonardtown.
The incident occurred April 10, 2026, in the 22100 block of Bell Farm Way. Preliminary investigation shows the victim met Atlas at a residence for a discussion. Atlas allegedly pointed a firearm at the victim and held it to the victim’s head. The victim escaped the residence and reported the event.
Detectives took over the case. Atlas was apprehended during a vehicle stop, where a handgun was found inside the vehicle. Investigators then executed a search warrant at his Leonardtown residence and recovered additional evidence.
Atlas was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown. He faces the following charges:
- Assault first-degree
- Assault second-degree
- Firearm use during the commission of a felony or crime of violence
- Illegal possession of a regulated firearm
He remains incarcerated pending a bond hearing. The arrest was made by Deputy R. Stillwell of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, according to court records.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Andrew Burgess at 301-475-4200, ext. 8041, or by email at Andrew.Burgess@stmaryscountymd.gov.
The 22100 block of Bell Farm Way sits in a residential area of Leonardtown, the county seat of St. Mary’s County in Southern Maryland. Leonardtown serves as a hub for local government, courts, and community services in the region, which includes growing suburban neighborhoods near the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay.
St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office handled the investigation entirely through its Criminal Investigations Division. The case highlights quick response to reported firearm threats in a domestic-style confrontation that began as a planned discussion. No injuries were reported to the victim, who fled safely.
This arrest comes amid ongoing efforts by Southern Maryland law enforcement to address violent incidents involving firearms. St. Mary’s County, with its mix of historic towns like Leonardtown and nearby military installations, continues to see standard patrol and detective work on such cases. The detention center in Leonardtown processes all local bookings and holds individuals awaiting court appearances.
Court records indicate the charges were filed in the District Court for St. Mary’s County. The investigation remains active, and authorities seek any witnesses or additional details.
Residents in the Bell Farm Way neighborhood and surrounding Leonardtown areas may notice increased sheriff’s office presence in the days following the incident. Public safety remains a priority in St. Mary’s County, where sheriff’s deputies respond to calls ranging from traffic stops to serious felony assaults.
The voluntary release of this information follows standard protocol for the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office when making arrests on felony charges involving weapons. No further updates on bond status or court dates were available as of April 13, 2026.
