CHESTERTOWN, Md. - A Chestertown man is being held without bond after an hours-long standoff Thursday afternoon that ended with officers seizing about 80 guns and a large quantity of ammunition.
According to the Chestertown Police Department, officers and Kent County Sheriff's deputies were called to Edge of Town Drive around 4:10 p.m. on Aug. 20 for a report of shots fired.
Police say responding officers heard additional gunshots coming from a specific home. Neighbors in the immediate area were notified, and Flatland Road near Edge of Town Drive was closed to traffic as a precaution.
Investigators identified the resident as 67-year-old Todd Edward Hughes. Police say attempts to contact Hughes were initially unsuccessful, and officers heard shots fired multiple times over the next two hours.
Several agencies were called in to assist, including Maryland State Police, the Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office, Cecil County Sheriff's Office, Salisbury Police Department, and Delaware State Police. Maryland State Police also provided a tactical team and crisis negotiators.
Police say specialized equipment was used to determine Hughes was experiencing a medical emergency.
Hughes peacefully surrendered and was taken into custody without incident at just before 10 p.m., according to police. He was then transported to a local medical facility for evaluation. After his release, Chestertown Police charged Hughes with first-degree assault, second-degree assault and reckless endangerment.
Police say officers also seized approximately 80 firearms and a large quantity of ammunition from the residence.
Following an initial appearance before a Kent County District Court commissioner, Hughes was ordered held without bond at the Kent County Detention Center.
