Attempted
First Degree Murder (two counts)
Attempted
Second Degree Murder (two counts)
Assault First Degree (two
counts)
Assault
Second Degree (two counts)
Dangerous
Weapon Intent to Injure (two counts)
Dangerous
Weapon Conceal
Resist/Interfere
with Arrest
Greenwell remains
incarcerated at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center on a
no-bond status.
UPDATE: Deputy First Class
Carl Ball, along with Deputy Dylan Glenn, (currently in the field training
process), were conducting a theft investigation at Big Lots, located in
Lexington Park. Deputies were attempting to identify the suspect, later
confirmed to be John Sherman Greenwell, age 41, of Lexington Park, in order to
issue a criminal citation charging Greenwell with theft.
During the investigation, Greenwell
suddenly attacked with a large knife he had concealed inside his coat.
Greenwell stabbed/slashed DFC Ball on the hand, and Deputy Glenn confronted
Greenwell and a physical confrontation ensued where Greenwell also attempted to
stab Dep. Glenn. During the
confrontation Dep. Glenn went to the ground at which point Greenwell advanced
above him with the knife raised. DFC Ball then fired his handgun, striking
Greenwell in the right arm. DFC Ball sustained a significant laceration to his
left hand and both Ball and Greenwell were transported via helicopter to area
trauma centers for treatment. Dep. Glenn was not injured during the incident.
Detectives from the St. Mary’s County
Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division (CID), Crime Lab and members
of the Office of Professional Responsibilities (OPR) responded to the scene to
process and continue the investigation.
Detectives from CID are conducting a criminal investigation into the incident
and members of OPR are conducting an administrative investigation into the use
of force used by the deputies. Body-worn camera footage from both deputies
along with in-store video surveillance from the incident is being reviewed as
well.
DFC Ball has been released from the
hospital and is recovering at home. He has been placed on administrative leave
in accordance with agency policy. Greenwell is expected to be discharged from
the hospital to Sheriff’s Office custody later today, Dec. 30, 2020.
Anyone with information on this incident
is asked to contact Detective Austin Schultz at (301) 475-4200 extension 71953
or by email at Austin.Schultz@stmarysmd.com.
Original Statement: On December 29, 2020, at approximately 2:10 p.m. deputies were on scene at Big Lots located at 21800 North Shangri-La Drive in Lexington Park, investigating an alleged theft. During the investigation, the suspect brandished an edged weapon, and assaulted the deputy. The deputy discharged his firearm and the suspect was shot. Both the suspect and deputy sustained injuries and were transported via helicopter to area trauma centers. The deputy sustained non-life threatening injuries and the suspect is listed in stable condition.
Citizens may remain anonymous and contact Crime Solvers at (301) 475-3333, or text a tip to “TIP239” plus their message to “CRIMES” (274637). Through the Crime Solvers Program tipsters are eligible for an award of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St. Mary’s County that leads to an arrest or indictment.
For official news and
information, follow the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter
@firstsheriff.
