UPDATE: Michael Darnell Lassiter, 59, of La Plata, was arrested on December 7, 2024, following an incident at a residence on Hemlock Court, in La Plata.
According to court documents, Lassiter faces multiple charges, including resisting arrest, second-degree assault, property damage, failure to obey a lawful order, endangerment due to intoxication, and making arson threats.
Officers responded to a call around 4:17 a.m. reporting a disorderly individual at Hemlock Court. According to the landlord, Lassiter had allegedly been drinking throughout the night and was agitated after receiving an eviction notice.
Perillo informed the responding officer, identified as Officer Shuar of the La Plata Police Department, that Lassiter had turned on all four stovetop burners and placed a pot of oil on one of them, seemingly intending to start a fire. Perillo also claimed Lassiter made verbal threats to burn the house down.
Five other individuals were reportedly inside the home during the incident.
Upon Officer Shuar’s arrival, Lassiter reportedly refused to leave the residence, stating, “I’m not going to do that; I’m just cooking.” When the officer attempted to detain him, Lassiter resisted and became combative. Once placed in the police vehicle, he allegedly attempted to kick out a rear window and later kicked another officer, Acting Sergeant Johnston.
Lassiter was charged with the following offenses:
- Resisting/Interfering with Arrest
- Second-Degree Assault
- Malicious Destruction of Property Valued at Less Than $1,000
- Failure to Obey a Lawful Order
- Intoxicated Endangerment
- Arson Threats
Lassiter appeared before a judge on December 9, 2024, for a bail review hearing. Initially held without bond, he was later released on his own recognizance.
12/9/2024: On Saturday, December 7, 2024, at approximately 4:15 a.m., officers responded to the 600 block of Hemlock Court for the report of an individual attempting to set fire to a home.
While in route to the scene, a call taker heard an individual in the background making arson threats.
Upon arrival, a witness informed officers the suspect was inside the home attempting to use the oven, stove burners, and cooking oil to set the house on fire.
While attempting to detain the suspect a struggle ensued. The individual was eventually detained.
Responding officers learned there were five other occupants inside the home endangered by the individual’s actions.
The suspect, Michael Darnel Lassiter, 59-years old of La Plata, was charged with the following below. He is currently being held at Charles County Department of Corrections on a no bond status.
- ASSAULT-SEC DEGREE
- ARSON/THREAT
- INTOXICATED ENDANGER
- FAIL OBEY RENBLE/LAWFL
- MAL DEST PROP/VALU < $1,000
- RESIST/INTERFERE WITH ARREST
