Waldorf man charged with assault, hate crime after tractor delivery confrontation – Southern Maryland News Net

On October 20, 2024, at approximately 4:04 p.m., Charles County officers responded to a report of an armed altercation outside a Tractor Supply store in White Plains. According to law enforcement, 53-year-old Harold Andrew Howard of Waldorf was arrested and charged with two counts of assault and a racial or religious offense after he allegedly pointed a shotgun at two people.

The incident began at the Tractor Supply store, where an argument broke out between Howard and the two victims. During the altercation, Howard allegedly used a racial slur toward the victims. The argument then spilled into the parking lot as the victims loaded their purchases into their vehicle. According to witnesses, Howard continued to use racial slurs before grabbing a shotgun from his truck, raising it in the air and pointing it at the victims.

One of the victims ran to a nearby officer for help. The officer was parked in the lot at the time of the incident and responded quickly, locating Howard near his silver Chevy Silverado. The officer discovered a shotgun in Howard’s vehicle and arrested him at the scene. Howard was taken to the Charles County Detention Center where he is currently being held without bail.

Court records show Howard is charged with two counts of first-degree assault and one count of committing a racial or religious crime against a person or group. The probable cause statement details that Howard allegedly shouted “I’ve got something for you n*****s” as he pointed the shotgun at the victims, who were approximately 20 yards away at the time.

Howard is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing in Charles County District Court on November 20, 2024. He remains in custody following a bond hearing on October 21, 2024.

The investigation is being conducted by M/Sgt. directed. Cooney of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office.

Harold Andrew Howard was charged with:
Two counts of first-degree assault
Racial/religious crime against a person or group

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