LA PLATA, Md. – A Charles County man is facing multiple felony charges after a domestic dispute escalated into a violent assault in the parking lot of a local restaurant.
On the evening of October 20, 2024, officers were dispatched to the Outback Steakhouse on Crain Highway in response to reports of a domestic assault. Upon arrival, police encountered a visibly injured woman standing near her vehicle in the adjacent T/A parking lot. She was bleeding heavily from a broken nose and had a large laceration on the bridge of her nose. Witnesses pointed officers in the direction of the fleeing suspect.
The victim informed police that the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Thomas Aaron Caparella-Monat, became enraged after she had spoken to her child’s father earlier in the evening. The couple reportedly spent part of the evening at Hunt’s Tavern in Pomfret, where Caparella-Monat became heavily intoxicated before demanding she drive him to an unspecified location on Route 6. At the location, he reportedly stole a roadside memorial cross bearing the name “Travis Kerig” and two dates, 11/15/1970 and 05/13/2021, before directing her to drive to the Outback Steakhouse.
Once at the restaurant parking lot, tensions flared. According to the victim, Caparella-Monat took her phone, valued at approximately $830, and refused to return it. When she demanded it back, he allegedly grabbed her by the throat, choking her, and shoved her into the front passenger side of the vehicle. Witnesses reported seeing him throw the phone at the vehicle’s windshield, causing significant damage, and later punching her in the face.
Before fleeing the scene, Caparella-Monat allegedly threatened the victim, saying, “If you go to the cops, I’ll kill you.”
Emergency medical services transported the victim to a hospital for treatment. A lethality screening conducted by authorities identified her as being at high risk, triggering an automatic domestic violence protocol. It was also revealed that Caparella-Monat is currently on probation for a prior assault conviction in Calvert County.
Police are pursuing charges against Caparella-Monat, including first- and second-degree assault, robbery, theft, malicious destruction of property, and threats of violence. Despite an extensive search, the suspect remains at large. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact the La Plata Police Department.
Community Reminder
This case underscores the importance of recognizing and reporting domestic violence. If you or someone you know is in danger, please contact local law enforcement or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
SOMD girls love bad guys
I’m stunned, he looks like such an upstanding, hard working young man, how coul……ok, ok I can’t do it. The whole “judge a book by it’s cover” doesn’t really work here, does it?
I pray you can leave here amd get to somewhere safe. She will need to change her life around to be safe. Lord help this young lady. And help police find the suspect
What a piece of crap
I’d make an excellent juror because I can spot criminals just like that *snaps fingers*
Any identifying tats or scars that would be easier to spot him?
Impressive coverage of a concerning incident. The detailed reporting brings much-needed attention to the situation. I hope the police find the suspect soon and bring justice to the affected community.