(WALKERSVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Police have arrested and charged a father after he allegedly shot at his son yesterday morning at their home and family business in Frederick County.
The suspect is identified as Michael E. Shoemaker, 48, of the 10000-block of Woodsboro Pike, Walkersville, Md. After consultation with the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office, he was charged with first degree assault, second degree assault, reckless endangerment and weapons charges.
The victim is identified as Paul R. Shoemaker, 24, of the same address. He was not injured in the incident.
At about 10:00 a.m. Friday, troopers from the Frederick Barrack were dispatched to a report of gunfire at the address of the Shoemaker’s, which includes two homes and buildings related to their business. Arriving troopers met with Paul Shoemaker and were told he and his father had become involved in an argument while both were attempting to use the fuel pump on their property. He said his father threatened to assault him and threw a metal pipe at him, but he ran and was not hit by the pipe.
Paul Shoemaker said his father then brandished a handgun. As he turned and ran, the victim said a shot was fired and struck the ground near his feet. He then ran into a residence and police were called.
Troopers located the suspect near an outbuilding on the property and took him into custody without incident. He was not armed when arrested. Troopers recovered a handgun, a rifle, and a shotgun located in an outbuilding on the property. The handgun will be processed by the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division.
