GREAT MILLS, Md. – Authorities in St. Mary’s County responded to a brutal home invasion on November 29, 2024, that resulted in the arrest of a heavily armed suspect wearing body armor. Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Military Lane after receiving a distress call from a terrified homeowner.
The victim reported that a man, later identified as Robert Eric Hyatt Jr., 38, of Fort Washington, MD, was attempting to force entry into his home. The suspect allegedly covered the peephole of the front door, prompting the victim to call 911. During the call, the intruder forced his way inside while reportedly demanding money via Apple Pay or Cash App. The victim, who was able to escape to the balcony, informed responding officers that Hyatt was inside and armed.
When deputies entered the residence, they encountered Hyatt, who was equipped with a 9mm handgun, a large knife, brass knuckles, and wearing body armor beneath a trench coat. Hyatt surrendered without incident but invoked his Miranda rights and refused to cooperate with investigators.
Evidence collected from the scene included Ring doorbell footage showing Hyatt entering the home and briefly brandishing the firearm. Deputies also located a spent 9mm shell casing inside the residence. The handgun, identified as a Smith & Wesson MP9 Shield Plus, was confirmed to be registered to Hyatt.
The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder and a significant laceration to his head during the incident. He was airlifted to a regional trauma center for emergency treatment.
Hyatt faces a slew of charges, including attempted first-degree and second-degree murder, home invasion, use of a firearm in a felony, wearing body armor during a crime of violence, and multiple counts of burglary and assault. He is being held at the St. Mary’s County Detention Center.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine Hyatt’s motive for targeting the residence. All events were captured on officers’ body cameras and corroborated by physical evidence from the scene.
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