At 2:24 a.m. Dec. 3, St. Mary’s Sheriff officers responded to a complaint of an assault with a firearm. The undisclosed victim reported that he was involved in an altercation with his roommate during a party at their residence.
During the altercation the suspect pointed two handguns at the victim and his girlfriend and pulled the trigger multiple times. The handguns did not discharge.
The suspect was identified as Ryan Lee Barber, a 23-year-old white male.
Based on the investigation conducted by officers, it was learned that following the assault Barber left the scene in his work vehicle. Patrol officers subsequently located Barber at his mother’s residence in Mechanicsville.
Barber was arrested and charged with First and Second Degree Assault and Reckless Endangerment.
He was held at the Detention Center on $250,000 Bond. He was later released after his mother posted bond on Dec. 5.
Detectives obtained a Search and Seizure Warrant for Ryan Barber’s mother’s residence located in Mechanicsville. As a result of the search, several items of evidence related to this investigation were recovered to include several firearms and assorted ammunition.
While executing the warrant the suspect’s brother, Brett Barber was contacted at his residence next door. He responded to his mother’s residence and was in the process of being interviewed on the front porch when he walked into the residence and began exploring the rooms.
He was directed by detectives on numerous occasions to stop and be seated on the sofa, but Brett Barber continued to act in a belligerent manner and ignored police directions.
Brett Barber then placed his hands on Detective Safford and began to push, police say.
He was then told he was under arrest and a brief struggle ensued, in which Sgt. McCauley and Detective Safford were assaulted.
There were no injuries sustained to the detectives or the suspect.
He was subsequently restrained in handcuffs and charged with Failing to Obey a Lawful Order, Hindering, and Resisting Arrest.