WALDORF, Md. — Charles County Sheriff’s Office officers arrested a Waldorf man Friday after he allegedly assaulted three individuals renting a trailer on his property and then brandished a handgun while making threats to harm them.
Officers responded to the 10000 block of Penjack Place around 12:26 p.m. on July 3 following a report of an assault involving a firearm. According to investigators, 57-year-old Sir Leander Evans Gamble confronted the three tenants, physically assaulted them, then retrieved a handgun from his residence, pointed it at the victims and threatened to harm them.
Gamble was taken into custody at the scene without further incident. A search warrant was obtained for the residence, where officers recovered six handguns. Charles County Animal Control officers also responded due to multiple neglected animals observed on the property, including an alligator, a cayman, a snake, an emu, dogs, cats and pigs. Animal Control has launched a separate investigation into the animals’ welfare.
Gamble was charged with aggravated assault. Additional charges are pending as the investigation continues, according to the sheriff’s office. He is being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns in Charles County regarding illegal firearm possession and animal welfare. Charles County Animal Control, part of the Department of Emergency Services, routinely investigates cases of neglect and cruelty, with officers available 24/7 for public safety and emergency responses. Recent cases in the region have involved severe animal neglect leading to felony indictments, underscoring the multi-agency response often required in such incidents.
Under Maryland law, aggravated assault is a serious felony typically involving the use of a deadly weapon or intent to cause serious physical injury. Convictions can carry significant penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office, one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the United States, continues to prioritize violent crime and public safety in the rapidly growing Waldorf area.
No injuries to the victims were detailed in the initial release, but the swift response prevented further escalation. Authorities have not released the identities of the victims, who were renting on the property.
As the investigation proceeds, additional details and charges may emerge. Residents with information are encouraged to contact the Charles County Sheriff’s Office.
