Man who shot his way into closed bank arrested in Waldorf

Authorities in Waldorf, Maryland, arrested a man Sunday who they say crashed his car into another vehicle, before shooting his way into an unoccupied bank.

In a news release, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office said that on Sunday morning, 25-year-old Zakee Rasuul Martin of Waldorf was involved in a vehicular hit-and-run in the vicinity of Western Parkway and Millbrook Court.



The department responded around 9:47 a.m. after reports came in that the man had jumped out of his car at the Market Place shopping center, fired multiple bullet rounds into the front entrance of a bank, and entered the building through the shattered glass doors. The bank was closed and unoccupied at the time.

Officials say deputies from Charles County and Maryland State Police troopers were setting up a perimeter around the bank when the suspect exited from a rear door. At that point, authorities said Martin took the gun from the front of his waistband and moved it to his rear.

Martin began walking toward Western Parkway as officers ordered him to stop. Eventually, authorities said they were able to de-escalate the situation and Martin was taken into custody before reaching the roadway.

During his arrest, the sheriff’s office said it found the semi-automatic handgun Martin had tucked in his waistband and was able to link him to the hit-and-run that had occurred shortly before. The sheriff’s office said Martin may have caused the car crash on purpose.

Before processing, Martin was taken to the hospital, where he was examined for any potential injuries from the incident.

He was then taken to the Charles County Detention Center, where he was charged with “assault, destruction of property, burglary, illegally transporting a firearm, numerous traffic violations, and other related charges.” Martin is being held pending his appearance in court.

No one was injured as a result of the crash or ensuing pursuit, according to the release.

Police say an investigation is ongoing and anyone with information should call 301-932-2222.

Approximate location of Sunday morning incident in Waldorf, Md:

Joshua Barlow

Joshua Barlow is a writer, composer, and producer who has worked for CGTN, Atlantic Public Media, and National Public Radio. He lives in Northeast Washington, D.C., where he pays attention to developments in his neighborhood, economic issues, and social justice.

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