A tense afternoon on Dogwood Drive ended with a 48-year-old Hagerstown man in custody on Wednesday, June 3, after witnesses told deputies he threatened neighbors, including juveniles, while holding a shotgun in the 11300 block of the street. The Washington County Special Response Team ultimately moved in when the man refused to come out of his home. No injuries were reported, and he remains held at the Washington County Detention Center on multiple assault and reckless endangerment charges.
What deputies say
According to a media release from the Washington County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to the 11300 block of Dogwood Drive around 4:52 p.m. for reports of threats in the area.
Witnesses told investigators that James Daniel Marker, 48, was yelling at juveniles and threatening to kill them while holding a shotgun. Deputies say he then refused to follow their commands, prompting the callout for the Washington County Special Response Team. Because of the reported threat and the presence of the firearm, the team responded to the scene and took Marker into custody.
Charges filed
As reported by Tri‑State Alert, Marker is facing three counts of first-degree assault, three counts of second-degree assault, and three counts of reckless endangerment. He was transported to the Washington County Detention Center and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
According to the outlet, prosecutors and the Washington County State's Attorney's Office had not yet released additional court paperwork or set a first court appearance at the time of the report.
What the charges mean
Under Maryland law (Criminal Law §3-202), first-degree assault is a felony that can include assault with a firearm and carries a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison. Second-degree assault is outlined in §3-203.
Maryland's reckless endangerment statute, §3-204, covers conduct that creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury and carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison. Any sentence would depend on how prosecutors pursue the case and how a court ultimately rules.
Neighbors and next steps
While deputies worked the scene on Dogwood Drive, the sheriff's office urged nearby residents to steer clear of the block and shelter in place, according to its news alerts. Investigators have not released any information about a possible motive, and detectives are still gathering statements and other evidence.
Anyone who may have seen or heard something related to the incident is asked to contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office or submit tips through the department's media release.
