Robert Eric Hyatt Jr., 38, of Fort Washington
UPDATE 11/2/2024: Robert Eric Hyatt Jr., 38, of Fort Washington, has been arrested and charged with numerous crimes, including attempted first-degree murder, after an alleged violent home invasion in St. Mary’s County.
On November 29, 2024, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a home invasion at an apartment on Military Lane in Great Mills.
The victim, identified in court documents as a 30-year-old male, contacted 911 to report that a man was at his door, obscuring the peephole. He told dispatchers he believed the man was trying to enter his apartment.
According to investigators, the man forced his way inside, yelling demands for money to be sent via Apple Pay or Cash App. The victim can be heard on the call yelling that the suspect had the wrong house.
When deputies arrived, they found the victim injured with a significant head laceration and a gunshot wound to the shoulder. The victim had managed to retreat to his apartment’s balcony, where he informed deputies that the intruder was still inside and armed.
Officers entered the apartment and found the suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Robert Eric Hyatt, standing inside wearing a long trench coat. Hyatt was armed with a loaded 9mm handgun, brass knuckles, and a large knife. He was also wearing body armor under his clothing.
Hyatt surrendered without resistance and was taken into custody. Investigators reviewed doorbell camera footage from the victim’s apartment, which allegedly shows Hyatt entering the residence. The footage also reportedly shows Hyatt pulling a handgun from his coat before putting it away.
Inside the apartment, officers recovered a spent 9mm shell casing and the handgun, identified as a Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus, registered to Hyatt.
Brown was airlifted to Capital Regional Medical Center by a Maryland State Police helicopter. His injuries, including the gunshot wound and head trauma, required emergency medical attention.
After his arrest, Hyatt was transported to the St. Mary’s County District Three Station for processing and questioning. According to court documents, Hyatt invoked his Miranda rights and declined to speak further with detectives during questioning.
Investigators reviewed the video footage and physical evidence from the scene to corroborate the events leading to the charges.
Hyatt has been charged with the following offenses:
1. Attempted First-Degree Murder
2. Attempted Second-Degree Murder
3. First-Degree Assault
4. Second-Degree Assault
5. Home Invasion
6. Third-Degree Burglary
7. Fourth-Degree Burglary
8. Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony/Crime of Violence
9. Wearing Bulletproof Armor in the Commission of a Crime of Violence
10. Carrying a Concealed Dangerous Weapon
On November 30, 2024, Hyatt appeared before a District Court Commissioner, waived his right to an attorney, and was ordered to be held without bond. His bail review hearing is scheduled for December 2, 2024, at the St. Mary’s County District Court.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident.
UPDATE 11/30/2024: St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrested Robert Eric Hyatt Jr., 38, of Fort Washington, following a 911 report of a home invasion on Friday, November 29, 2024.
Deputies from the Patrol Division responded to the 45000 block of Military Lane after receiving a call from the victim, who reported that a male suspect was attempting to enter his residence forcibly. During the 911 call, a loud disturbance was heard as the suspect forced his way into the home.
Upon arrival, deputies entered the residence, where the suspect surrendered without incident. A search revealed that Hyatt was carrying a 9mm handgun, brass knuckles, and a large knife, and he was wearing body armor.
The victim was found on the balcony of the residence, suffering from a laceration to the head and a gunshot wound to the shoulder. He was transported to an area hospital by the Maryland State Police Aviation Command.
Hyatt faces ten charges, including attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, wearing bulletproof armor in the commission of a violent crime, concealing a dangerous weapon, and related burglary offenses.
He was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown.
The case is now being handled by the Criminal Investigations Division, with Detective Benjamin Raley serving as the lead investigator. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Raley at 301-475-4200, ext. 8076, or via email at [email protected].
UPDATE 11/30/2024: Robert E. Hyatt, 38, of Fort Washington was arrested on November 29, 2024, by St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputy J. Senatore. A booking photo from the Sheriff’s Office has been requested and will be posted when it is received.
The charges against Hyatt include:
- Attempted First-Degree Murder (Felony)
- Attempted Second-Degree Murder (Felony)
- First-Degree Assault (Felony)
- Second-Degree Assault (Misdemeanor)
- Home Invasion (Felony)
- Third-Degree Burglary (Felony)
- Fourth-Degree Burglary (Misdemeanor)
- Wearing Bulletproof Armor (Misdemeanor)
- Firearm Use in a Felony Violent Crime (Misdemeanor)
- Concealing a Dangerous Weapon (Misdemeanor)
11/29/2024: On Friday, November 29, 2024, at approximately 8:25 p.m., police responded to the 45000 block of Military Lane in Great Mills, for the reported suspicious incident.
The 911 caller advised a male wearing a long dark trench coat and wearing something over his face which was covering the residence doors peephole. The subject then began moving the doorknob with the caller stating they believed the subject was going to break in.
A short time later, the 911 caller then advised the subject attempted to kick in the door.
Police arrived on the scene to find an apparent gunshot victim and requested medical personnel to the scene.
Emergency medical services responded to the scene and requested a helicopter for an unknown aged male with injuries to the face along with one gunshot wound to the upper-body.
Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 7 transported the victim to an area trauma center.
One firearm was recovered on the scene and one person is in custody.
Police continue to investigate and updates will be provided when they become available.
