On Aug. 4 around midnight, deputies responded to a report of shots fired on Cecil Ave in Leonardtown. Investigation revealed Charles Eugene Castle II, 38 of Leonardtown, and Joshua Ezekiel Shafer, 30 of Compton, shortly before the shooting complaint had gone to a residence located on Cedar Street in Leonardtown.
Suspect Castle knew the owner’s of the residence and knocked on the door. The victim answered the door and told Castle and Shafer it was too late at night for them to enter the residence. Castle and Shafer then forced their way into the residence.
While in the residence, Castle and Shafer physically assaulted the owner of the residence and a second victim. All occupants of the residence were able to flee from the residence.
Castle and Shafer then left the residence. Matthew Fletcher Bernd, 20 of Leonardtown, an occupant of the Cedar Street residence went to a near by relative’s residence on Cecil Avenue in Leonardtown, where he obtained a .38 caliber revolver.
Bernd then saw Charles Castle walking on Cecil Avenue coming towards him. Bernd went into the street and confronted Charles Castle and told him to get away from them. Bernd then fired one shot from the .38 caliber revolver into the air. The neighborhood is congested with houses and discharging a firearm caused a danger to those who reside in the neighborhood.
Castle II and Shafer were each charged with first, third and fourth degree burglary and numerous counts of second degree assault.
Bernd was charged with one count of reckless endangerment.