17 Mar Man accused in Maryland shootings denied bail

On behalf of Jack B. Rubin, PA posted in Weapons Crimes on Tuesday, March 17, 2015.

A former correctional officer charged in a five-shooting rampage around Maryland was denied bail after prosecutors argued that he could be a flight risk. A search of the man’s home in Beltsville found a backpack containing essentials like toilet paper, energy bars and his passport, which suggested he might be planning to flee the jurisdiction. Prosecutors also pointed to the large collection of firearms and ammunition found in the home, which could pose a risk to the community.

The man, who is known to have mental problems, told police he heard voices that told him to carry out the shootings. He admitted to being involved in five shootings in a weeklong period ending on March 3. The first attack wounded a 61-year-old man when the attacker pulled up next to his car and fired. Other attacks included shots heard in a Walmart parking lot in Laurel, shots fired at the Columbia Mall movie theater, which left bullet holes in the front glass, shots from an overpass that struck a tree service truck and shots striking a building near NSA headquarters at Fort Meade.

Charged with attempted first-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and two weapons counts, the man attended his bail hearing by video feed from the detention center in Annapolis. He has been appointed a public defender.

A defendant in this situation faces serious charges, even though no victims were seriously hurt. Weapons charges increase the likelihood of serious penalties and minimum sentences, and a plea bargain is not always advised. An experienced attorney can be helpful to a criminal defendant in cases like this by checking into search and seizure procedures, reviewing witness testimony and police reports and advising clients on an appropriate legal strategy.

Source: WMAR Baltimore, “Hong Young, man accused in Md. shootings, held without bail,” WMAR Staff, March 9, 2015