A Glen Burnie man has been indicted on 71 counts after prosecutors say he carried out a series of shootings and carjackings across northern Prince George’s County in mid‑May. Larry James Simpson, 68, is being held without bond while the case moves through court. The incidents left multiple people shot at and several treated for injuries, and they triggered a wide, multi‑agency law enforcement response.
How the rampage unfolded
According to court records and witness statements, the spree began around 2:30 p.m. on May 15, when a witness reported a man firing from a black sedan on the 5100 block of Pierce Avenue in College Park. Officers say the suspect’s vehicle later overturned at 67th Avenue and Patterson Street in Riverdale. After that crash, he allegedly carjacked vehicles and fired at bystanders before an off‑duty officer followed him and U.S. Park Police took him into custody on Edmonston Road. Investigators recovered an AR‑15‑style rifle, a revolver and ammunition at the scenes, according to The Washington Post.
Charges and court status
Prosecutors say a grand jury returned a 71‑count indictment Thursday charging Simpson with multiple counts of attempted murder, assault and three carjackings. A judge ordered him held without bond. Court filings list a preliminary hearing date of June 15. The updated indictment was reported by FOX 5 DC.
Suspect's criminal history
Simpson has a lengthy criminal record. He was convicted of first‑degree murder in the late 1980s and served more than 35 years before seeking a court‑ordered drug‑and‑alcohol evaluation in 2022 that led to his transfer to state health custody. Court records show he was released in October 2023, and prosecutors say there is no record of new offenses between that release and the May incidents. That timeline and the details surrounding his release are outlined in reporting by The Washington Post.
Officials and neighbors
Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara H. Jackson said the case “is a reminder of why structured supervised release programs are needed,” according to prosecutors. Neighbors in Simpson’s apartment complex told reporters they were shocked by the allegations, and police continue to ask the public to preserve video and share tips. Local reporting captured the scope of the response; see cop chopper tracks multi‑scene shooting, and the State’s Attorney Office comments were reported by FOX 5 DC.
Legal implications
Earlier charging documents filed in district court listed 66 offenses, including 16 counts each of attempted first‑ and second‑degree murder, according to WTOP. Under Maryland law, attempted second‑degree murder is a felony punishable by up to 30 years and carjacking carries a maximum of 30 years, as shown in the state code. Maryland Code §2‑206 and §3‑405 on carjacking outline those penalties. Prosecutors will present evidence at a preliminary hearing, and the case will proceed through the circuit court if charges are sustained.
