WALDORF, Md. – A Waldorf man is facing multiple charges, including first-degree assault, after allegedly threatening a woman with a handgun during a confrontation at the Smallwood Village Center earlier this month. Clarence Antonio Bennett, 41, was arrested following the December 11 incident and remains in custody at the Charles County Detention Center on a $75,000 bond.
According to court records, officers responded to a report of an assault near a business at approximately 9:30 p.m. The victim, who is known to Bennett, reported that he approached her while she was walking with a friend. She told investigators that Bennett verbally accosted her before pulling out a black handgun and holding it to her chin. He then allegedly called her derogatory names and fled on foot after she threatened to call the police. No injuries were reported.
A witness who remained at the scene confirmed key details of the victim’s account but declined to provide a formal statement. Officers documented the scene with photographs uploaded to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Digital Imaging Management System. A subsequent investigation determined that Bennett and the victim had separated over a year ago and were no longer involved in a relationship.
Court records indicate that a warrant for Bennett’s arrest was issued the following day. He was taken into custody on December 12 and charged with first-degree assault, handgun on person, and firearm use in a violent crime. He waived his right to an attorney during his initial appearance but has since been assigned a public defender. Judge Jonas D. Legum set his bond at $75,000 during a bail review hearing on December 13. As of December 25, 2024, Bennett has not posted bond and remains incarcerated.
First-degree assault, a felony under Maryland law, carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. The additional firearm charges could lead to further significant penalties if Bennett is convicted. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 10, 2025, at the Charles County District Court.
Further updates on the case will follow as it progresses through the judicial system.
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“firearm charges ‘COULD’ lead to further significant penalties”
Yet we need more gun control laws to keep victims exploited, because they are the only ones obeying the laws.