Welfare Check, Gunfire And Charges: Leonardtown Woman Indicted After Police-Involved Shooting In Lexington Park

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A Lexington Park woman has entered a plea of not guilty following a welfare check in Lexington Park that, according to authorities, escalated into a police-involved shooting and the recovery of a stolen handgun. The 34-year-old now faces a criminal indictment that includes first-degree assault and multiple firearm-related charges.

According to court documents, Paige Taylor Hartness, 34, of Lexington Park, has been indicted on charges including first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony or crime of violence, and various counts related to handgun possession. She is also charged with possession of a regulated firearm reported stolen and theft valued at $100 to under $1,500. A warrant was served on Hartness on Dec. 9, 2025, at which time she entered a not guilty plea. A jury trial is scheduled for March 30, 2026.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Oct. 23, 2025, when deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) were dispatched to conduct a welfare check at a residence in Lexington Park. According to police, the caller reported that his roommate—identified as Hartness—had allegedly taken a Kimber .45 ACP 1911 handgun from his bedroom after a brief argument and left the residence driving a Jeep Compass.

Deputies later located Hartness inside a vehicle parked at the Eat Run Medical Center, according to law enforcement records. Police allege she was uncooperative and that she was observed holding the handgun and appearing to rack the slide while seated in the vehicle.

Authorities further allege that Hartness exited the vehicle and fled on foot while armed. When confronted by two deputies, police say she fired a round, prompting deputies to return fire. Hartness was struck multiple times, and deputies provided medical aid until emergency medical services arrived. She was transported to a local trauma center for treatment. The firearm recovered at the scene was reportedly confirmed to be the same one identified as stolen earlier that day. No deputies were injured.

Under Maryland law, first-degree assault carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony or crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years without parole and a maximum of 20 years, served consecutively. Additional firearm possession offenses may carry penalties of up to three years in prison and fines up to $2,500. Possession of a stolen regulated firearm carries up to five years and a $10,000 fine, while the theft charge carries a maximum sentence of 18 months in jail and a $500 fine.

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