UPDATE: Two Dead & One in Critical Condition After Double Shooting and Suicide in Leonardtown

September 2, 2020

Photo by NBC Washington

UPDATE 9/2/2020 @ 11:45 a.m.: On September 1, 2020, during a family dispute, the suspect later identified as Gregory Wayne Arnold Sr. 48, of Callaway, shot the two victims multiple times at a residence in the 22900 block of Newtowne Neck Road in Leonardtown. Victim Stephen Edward Arnold, 72, of Leonardtown, was transported to an area trauma center for treatment, and ultimately succumbed to the injuries sustained in the shooting. Victim Rosalea Denise Arnold, 66, of Leonardtown, was transported to an area trauma center for treatment and remains in critical condition.

Arnold Sr. was observed by deputies shortly after the shooting operating a vehicle on Route 5 in Mechanicsville, and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The vehicle pursuit continued into Charles County, and then back into St. Mary’s County, where Arnold stopped the vehicle in the roadway on Route 234 near the intersection of Route 236. Arnold, who was armed with two handguns, refused to exit the vehicle and a barricade was declared. Members of the Critical Incident Negotiations Team (CINT), and members of the Emergency Services Team (EST) responded to the scene and negotiators from CINT began negotiating with Arnold in attempt to peacefully resolve the barricade. Arnold Sr. ultimately sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was transported to an area trauma center for treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office wishes to thank the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland State Police for their assistance during this incident.

The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as they become available. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detective James Bare at (301) 475-4200 extension 78118 or by email at [email protected].

UPDATE 9/1/2020 @ 6:15 P.M.: On September 1, 2020, at approximately 1:15 p.m. deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 22900 block of Newtowne Neck Road in Leonardtown, for the reported shooting. Deputies arrived on scene and discovered two victims had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Both victims, a male age 72 and a female age 66, of Leonardtown, were transported to area trauma centers for treatment of the injuries sustained.

A male suspect, age 48 of Callaway, was identified and located by deputies operating a vehicle northbound on Route 5 in Mechanicsville. A vehicle pursuit ensued and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and Maryland State Police responded and assisted in the vehicle pursuit. The suspect stopped his vehicle in the roadway in the area of Route 234 and Route 236 in Mechanicsville. The armed suspect refused to exit the vehicle, and a barricade was declared. The suspect ultimately sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was transported via helicopter to an area trauma center for treatment.

The investigation is ongoing and updates will be provided as they become available.

UPDATE at 4:40 p.m., the suspect is confirmed to have a single gunshot wound to the head. Firefighters reporting agonal breathing with a pulse. Crews attempting to transport the patient via Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 2

UPDATE at 4:25 p.m: One gunshot has been fired. Police armored vehicles are moving up to the suspect vehicle. Fire and rescue personnel has been requested to the scene.

UPDATE at 2:15 p.m: Budds Creek Road will be shut down from Marsh Court to Chaptico Park. Police have the suspect stopped on Budds Creek Road in the area of the Maryland International Raceway. The suspect is armed with a handgun.

UPDATE: 1:45 P.M., Police from Charles and St. Mary’s Count are in a high speed chase with the suspect.

On Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at approximately 1:20 p.m., police, fire and rescue personnel responded to a residence on Newtowne Neck Road in Leonardtown, for the reported shooting victims.

Crews arrived on the scene to find two victims, an adult male, and an adult female with multiple gunshot wounds each.

Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 7 has been requested.

Police are on the scene and investigating the incident.

Photo by NBC Washington