Charles County deputies arrested a Waldorf landlord July 3 after an alleged confrontation at a trailer on Penjack Place that led to the recovery of six handguns and a variety of animals, officials said. The Maryland landlord arrest animals guns phrase describes the central elements of the case: an arrest tied to an alleged assault, weapons recovered by deputies and multiple exotic and domestic animals removed by county animal control.
Authorities identified the suspect as 57-year-old Sir Leander Evans Gamble of Waldorf. Deputies said they were called to the property after a reported assault involving a firearm and later executed a search warrant at Gamble’s residence, removing weapons and animals while criminal and animal-welfare investigations proceeded, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office said.
Maryland landlord arrest animals guns: what law enforcement says
According to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call July 3 reporting an assault at a trailer on Penjack Place. Investigators say Gamble approached three people renting a trailer on his property, then retrieved a handgun from his residence and pointed it at the occupants. The sheriff’s office described the conduct as alleged; the pointing of a firearm and the assault remain allegations under active investigation.
Sheriff’s investigators identified the three alleged victims as a woman who rents the trailer, her 28-year-old son and the son’s girlfriend, who was reportedly about eight months pregnant. Deputies say they took Gamble into custody at the scene and later executed a search warrant that led to the recovery of six handguns from the property, the sheriff’s office said.
What deputies say happened at Penjack Place
Investigators described arriving to a chaotic scene and securing the residence. Deputies told reporters they separated the occupants, spoke with alleged victims and secured weapons found on the premises. The sheriff’s office said the investigation into the assault allegation and the circumstances of the weapons recovery is ongoing and that additional information will be released as the probe continues.
Because the matter remains under investigation, reporting follows standard practice by labeling the assault and the pointing of a firearm as alleged conduct until charges are adjudicated in court.
Animal control findings and ongoing welfare probe
Charles County Animal Control officers responded to the property after deputies reported the presence of numerous animals. Officials said they removed an alligator, a caiman, an emu, a snake, multiple dogs and cats and several pigs from the residence. The agency said the animals were seized and removed from the site for the animals’ safety and for an active welfare investigation.
Jennifer L. Harris, chief of media services for Charles County Government, told local reporters that Animal Control officers determined the animals were being kept in conditions the agency found did not comply with Maryland statutes and local ordinances. Animal Control said it has taken custody of the animals and that veterinary exams and further welfare assessments are underway as part of an active investigation by county staff.
Renters at the trailer alleged to local media that a dog named Carter died after air conditioning was not provided. Charles County Animal Control has not publicly confirmed the cause of that dog’s death, and that specific claim remains unverified and is treated here as an allegation pending confirmation from animal welfare authorities.
Charges, custody and possible next steps
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office said Gamble was charged with aggravated assault and was being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center. The sheriff’s office also said additional charges could be filed as investigators finalize evidence from the assault report, the weapons recovered and the animal-welfare investigation.
As the case moves forward, typical next steps include an initial court appearance or arraignment where charges are formally read, and where prosecutors may outline their case. Prosecutors may consider additional counts related to weapons possession or animal cruelty if investigators develop evidence supporting those statutes. Anyone charged with a crime is entitled to due process, and criminal allegations will be resolved through the county’s judicial process.
Local context and safety takeaways
Incidents that combine alleged violent conduct and possible animal-welfare violations can involve multiple county agencies and raise community safety concerns. Charles County officials said their response included both law enforcement and animal-control resources to ensure public safety and the animals’ well-being.
Residents who witness threatening behavior, violence, or signs of animal neglect are encouraged to contact local law enforcement or Charles County Animal Control to report their concerns. In emergencies, callers should use 911. For non-emergencies related to animal welfare, contact Charles County Animal Control through the county’s official channels so that trained officers can investigate and respond.
Source attribution
This report is based on statements and materials from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and Charles County Animal Control, and reporting by FOX5 DC and Fox News. Original coverage: FOX5 DC and Fox News. For official county information see the Charles County Sheriff’s Office: ccso.us and Charles County Animal Control: charlescountymd.gov/animal-control. The investigation remains active and county officials may release further details.
