On Oct. 18 at 5:36 a.m., an off-duty Charles County Sheriff’s officer heard noises outside his house in the Bel Alton area. When he went outside to investigate, he was suddenly confronted by a man who was trying to steal his ATV.
The officer identified himself as a sheriff’s officer and ordered the suspect to the ground. Instead, the man quickly fled. The officer caught up with the suspect and tried to detain him but the suspect began fighting the officer and a struggle ensued.
During the struggle, the officer’s issued firearm fell to the ground and the suspect grabbed it. The officer and suspect struggled over the gun and, fearing for his life, the officer was able to discharge the firearm one time.
The suspect fled to a nearby house where he asked a relative for a ride. They got into a car but were stopped by officers who were checking the area. Officers approached the car and found Matthew Leo Wade, Jr., 29, of Waldorf, inside the vehicle.
He was positively identified as the person who assaulted the officer. A search of Wade revealed he had property which had just been stolen from the officer’s residence. Officers also noticed Wade had a gunshot wound to the lower leg; he was transported to CRMC and released.
Wade was charged with 18 different crimes including first-degree assault, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, burglary, and theft. He is being held at the Charles County Detention Center. Det. J. Elliott is investigating.
