Snow Hill Man Arrested Following Assault, 11 Hour Barricade Incident

SNOW HILL, Md. – A Snow Hill man was arrested and charged early Monday morning after he barricaded himself for hours inside a house following an alleged assault.

Officers arrested 49-year-old Robert Keith Anderson on charges of first and second degree assault, false imprisonment and related charges. Anderson is currently held without bond at the Worcester County Detention Center.

Shortly after 10:45 p.m. on Sunday, Jul. 5, troopers from the Maryland State Police (MSP) Berlin Barrack were dispatched to a home in the 4000 block of West Market Street in Snow Hill, for an alleged dispute between Anderson and an adult woman. The woman, who authorities are not identifying at this time, advised police that after being physically restrained, she was able to break free from the home to contact 911 to report the incident. Police were advised that Anderson had brandished a firearm inside the home before threatening to harm the woman inside with him.

Troopers arrived on the scene and reportedly made several unsuccessful attempts to contact Anderson. Knowing he was armed and taking into account the threats he reportedly made, troopers established a perimeter around the home and called for the MSP Special Tactical Assault Team Element (STATE Team) to respond.

After multiple unsuccessful attempts over several hours, police obtained an arrest warrant. The STATE Team served the warrant and took Anderson into custody without further incident. No shots were fired from the residence by Anderson or law enforcement personnel during the 11-hour standoff.

Authorities say an investigation into the incident is ongoing.