LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A man from Lexington Park is facing multiple firearm and assault charges after deputies say he pointed a loaded handgun at a man during a domestic argument, then was found to be unlawfully in possession of both the weapon and ammunition due to prior convictions.
According to court records, deputies responded just after 10 p.m. on May 6, 2025, to a home on Flower Drive in Lexington Park following a 911 call reporting that an individual had drawn a firearm during a verbal altercation. When deputies arrived, they spoke with the alleged victim, who said the suspect had pulled a small black and silver handgun, held it sideways and aimed it at him during an argument. The victim also reported seeing a pocketknife in the suspect’s other hand.
The suspect, later identified as 51-year-old Howard Junior Simpson of Lexington Park, was pointed out by the victim and detained by deputies at a nearby residence. A loaded Taurus G2 9 mm handgun was recovered near the front door of the home, consistent with the description provided. The magazine contained eight rounds.
During the investigation, Simpson’s girlfriend told authorities the firearm belonged to her and was typically stored in her bedroom. She said she had instructed Simpson earlier in the evening to place the firearm in her vehicle. Deputies verified the weapon’s ownership but confirmed Simpson had handled the gun.
A background check revealed Simpson is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to multiple prior convictions, including battery, CDS possession and two counts of second-degree assault dating back to the 1990s. A Maryland Gun Center case report confirmed Simpson’s prohibited status.
Simpson was taken into custody without incident and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center. He was charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, illegal possession of a regulated firearm, illegal possession of ammunition, use of a firearm in a violent crime, carrying a handgun on his person and carrying a loaded handgun on his person.
First-degree assault is a felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Each firearms possession charge carries a maximum sentence of five years and/or a $10,000 fine. The handgun-related misdemeanors each carry up to three years. The use of a firearm in a violent crime carries up to 20 years, with a mandatory minimum of five without parole.
Simpson was held without bond following his arrest. At a bond review held May 8, 2025, before Judge Karen Christy Holt Chesser, the hold was continued. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 3, 2025, in Courtroom 1 at St. Mary’s District Court. The case remains open.
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