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Maryland Department of State Police

Suspect In Custody After Barricade In Worcester County

News |

(SNOW HILL, MD) -- A Worcester County man was arrested and charged early this morning after he barricaded himself inside a house, following an alleged assault.

The man is identified as Robert Keith Anderson, 49, of Snow Hill, Md.  After consultation with the Office of the State’s Attorney in Worcester County, Anderson is charged with first- and second- degree assault, false imprisonment and other related charges. Anderson is currently held without bond at the Worcester County Detention Center. 

Shortly after 10:45 p.m. last night, Maryland State Police from the Berlin Barrack were dispatched to a home in the 4000-block of W. Market Street in Snow Hill, for an alleged dispute between Anderson and an adult woman.  The adult woman, not being identified at this time, advised police that after being physically restrained, she was able to break free from the home to contact 9-1-1 to report the incident. 

Police were advised that Anderson had brandished a firearm inside the home. He reportedly threatened to harm the adult woman who was inside the residence at the time.

State Police arrived on the scene and made several attempts to contact Anderson, all of which he refused. Knowing he was armed and due to the threats reportedly made, troopers established a perimeter around the home and called for the Maryland State Police Special Tactical Assault Team Element, or STATE Team, to respond. 

Troopers attempted to convince Anderson for several hours to exit the residence. They called his cell phone repeatedly. After multiple unsuccessful attempts, police obtained an arrest warrant through the Worcester County District Court, which was subsequently served by members of the Maryland State Police STATE Team. 

Anderson was ultimately taken into custody without further incident.  No shots were fired from the residence by Anderson or law enforcement personnel during the 11-hour incident.

Troopers from the Berlin Barrack, the STATE Team and the Criminal Enforcement Division responded to the scene.  Officers from the Snow Hill Police Department along with sheriff deputies from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene to provide assistance. 

The investigation is continuing. 

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