A Maryland man has been arrested following a Halloween incident where the suspect pointed a gun that misfired at a mother after he allegedly licked the ears of her daughter who had gone trick-or-treating at his residence.
According to WBAL TV, on Halloween night, 66-year-old Cedrick Steven Paines was arrested by police officers and faces multiple charges, including first-degree assault and weapons violations, for an assault on a young girl and her mother.
Officers from Anne Arundel County were summoned
to the 8200 block of Dunfield Court for a reported assault with a handgun. The woman informed police officers that Paines, who is a neighbor of hers, had “nibbled on” her daughter’s ear when she came to his house looking for treats on Halloween. The girl ran back home with Paines in pursuit, and he tried to force his way into her house.According to the account, when Paines tried to enter the house, the woman pushed him to prevent him from coming in. That’s when he allegedly pointed a weapon at her and pulled the trigger — and the gun misfired.
WBAL TV obtained documents stating that an eyewitness saw Paines pull the gun from his waistband, load it, and then try to shoot the woman.
A report from the Anne Arundel County Police Department stated, “The suspect went back to his house, where he was located by responding officers and placed under arrest. A search warrant of the residence was executed and resulted in the seizure of two handguns, one shotgun, a .22 caliber rifle, and ammunition.”
The charging documents state that Paines told the police officers that although he got close to the girl’s ear, he did not touch it. He also told them that he jokes around with his grandchildren by biting their fingers.
Police officials are requesting that anyone who has any information regarding this incident and/or Paines contact them at 410-222-6155. If you’d prefer to remain anonymous, call the Anne Arundel County Police tip line at 410-222-4700.
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