On January 27, 2020, deputies
from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 19800 block of
Three Notch Road in Lexington Park, for the reported domestic assault, property
destruction and homicidal threats. Once
on scene officers were advised by the victim that John Francis Tippett Jr., age
43 of Lexington Park, had access to several weapons and had made threats to
harm himself and shoot responding police. Tippett broke out the windshield of the
victim`s vehicle while she was attempting to flee the area. Deputies confirmed
Tippett had multiple warrants for his arrest. While interviewing the victim,
nearby officers heard numerous shots being fired by the suspect. Several 911
calls were received reporting shots being fired in the area.
Deputies and troopers attempted
to contain Tippett and heard shots being fired. St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Hostage
Negotiations Team responded to the scene and began speaking with Tippett. Tippett went in and out of the residence multiple
times, each time shooting at police as well as a compressed gas tank in the
driveway. During the encounter, deputies subsequently returned fire striking Tippett. Life saving measures were immediately attempted
but Tippett succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. After securing
the scene a suspicious bag was discovered in the driveway prompting the request
for the response of the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Tippett will be
transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy.
The investigation is ongoing and
updates will be provided as warranted.
For official news and information
follow the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter @firstsheriff.
