Hollywood Man Accused of Knife Attack During Family Dispute in St. Mary’s County

Andrew Phillip Nelson, 29, of Hollywood, is facing felony and misdemeanor assault charges following a late-night incident that involved a knife, heavy intoxication, and multiple attempts to force entry into a locked bedroom.

According to court documents, Nelson was arrested on March 21, 2025, after deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance at a residence on Sandy Bottom Road shortly after midnight.

Upon arrival, the responding deputy reported hearing yelling from a nearby home. As the deputy approached the scene, a man identified as Nelson was seen walking toward him with blood on his face and clothing. According to the officer’s report, Nelson had a bloody nose, red marks across his back, and appeared to be highly intoxicated.

Nelson’s explanation of the incident changed multiple times. At first, he claimed he had been playing video games when a family member entered the room and began attacking him. “I didn’t fight back,” Nelson reportedly said, “I wasn’t going to fight my brother.” He later stated that he had been knocking on the bedroom door when the other individual came out and punched him. Nelson further shifted his account from being attacked by one person to being assaulted by two.

The adult male victim told deputies that everyone at the house had been drinking, and Nelson had consumed far too much. The victim said that after asking Nelson to leave his room, Nelson became agitated—especially over a girl who was present. After being asked to leave, Nelson reportedly spent approximately three hours knocking on the locked door and yelling vulgarities. The victim said he and others in the room felt trapped and feared for their safety.

At one point, according to the victim, Nelson allegedly used a knife to unlock the door and force entry. Once inside, Nelson “came after him with the knife,” prompting the victim to knock the weapon away. Nelson then allegedly punched him in the face. Deputies observed swelling and bruising around the victim’s right eye. The victim said he struck Nelson once in return to defend himself.

One female witness told deputies that Nelson was “violent” and “acting crazy.” She stated that Nelson struck her but did not wish to pursue police action. She recalled locking herself in the bedroom with the others as Nelson banged on the door, trying to get in. While she did not see the knife, she stated that Nelson broke into the room and began attacking the victim.

A second male witness described Nelson’s behavior throughout the night as “crazy.” He said the group had locked themselves in the room, hoping Nelson would calm down. Instead, Nelson allegedly used a knife to attempt unlocking the door. According to this witness, Nelson eventually forced his way in and came at the victim with the knife before the victim managed to disarm him. He stated that Nelson then punched the victim in the face. When they tried to shut the door again, Nelson “rammed” it open and continued swinging at the victim. After a brief struggle, the witnesses were able to push Nelson out of the residence.

Following the incident and statements from those involved, Nelson was taken into custody and charged with:

First-Degree Assault (Felony)

Second-Degree Assault (Misdemeanor)

He was initially held without bond at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center. However, at a bail review hearing on March 24, 2025, he was released on his own recognizance by Judge Karen Christy Holt Chesser.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 15, 2025, at the St. Mary’s District Court in Leonardtown.

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