Two Somerset Co. Deputies Injured While Responding to Assault
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) says two of the department’s deputies were assaulted while responding to a call on New Year’s Eve.
Deputy First Class (DFC) Kaleb Evans and Corporal Alex Ortiz were injured on Dec. 31, 2025, while responding to a report of an assault with a firearm on Warwick Lane. They were both transported to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional for evaluation and treatment. One deputy sustained relatively minor injuries, while the other reportedly sustained an incapacitating injury.
The deputies arrived on scene at approximately 11:41 p.m., and observed a black Nissan Altima fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed. DFC Evans attempted a traffic stop using emergency equipment. The Nissan led officers on a brief pursuit before returning to the Warwick Lane address. The driver, later identified as 31-year-old Delshaun Lamont Taylor of Westover, then exited the vehicle.
Deputies made attempts to issue lawful commands to take Taylor into custody. However, police say Taylor refused to comply and actively resisted arrest, before starting a physical altercation with the deputies. During the struggle, Taylor reportedly attempted to gain possession of DFC Evans’s duty handgun. DFC Evans was able to maintain
control of his firearm, and Taylor was eventually subdued and restrained. Both deputies and an assisting Maryland State Trooper were assaulted during the encounter.
Further investigation by authorities revealed that Taylor had initially driven to the Warwick Lane address to confront another man. During an ensuing argument, Taylor allegedly removed a handgun from his waistband and pointed it at the victim.
A subsequent search of the Nissan revealed a handgun in plain view on the front passenger seat. The firearm was loaded, with one round in the chamber and eight rounds in the magazine. Police say Taylor is currently on probation and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Taylor was formally charged with more than 15 criminal offenses, including three counts of second degree assault on a law enforcement officer. He is being held without bond at the Somerset County Detention Center.
