80 Firearms Seized, Arrest Made After Standoff in Chestertown

CHESTERTOWN, Md. – An hours-long standoff in Chestertown on Thursday evening ended with one arrest and the seizure of approximately 80 firearms.

Police have arrested 67-year-old Todd Edward Hughes on charges including first and second degree assault, reckless endangerment, and using a firearm during the commission of a violent felony. Court documents obtained by WMDT show that Hughes was released after posting a $10,000 unsecured personal bond.

At 4:10 p.m. on Aug. 20, officers with the Chestertown Police Department (CPD) and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 200 block of Edge of Town Drive after a report of shots fired. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers heard additional shots fired from a specific residence at that location. Neighbors in the immediate area were notified by law enforcement, and the areas of Flatland Road and Edge of Town Drive were closed to traffic for precautionary reasons.

Law enforcement attempted to make contact with the resident, identified as Hughes, but were unsuccessful. In the following hours, officers heard more shots fired, and additional resources were provided by the Maryland and Delaware State Police, Queen Anne’s and Cecil County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Salisbury Police Department. A Maryland State Police tactical team and crisis negotiators also responded to the scene.

Police say they determined, with the use of specialized equipment, that Hughes was having a medical emergency. He peacefully surrendered and was taken into custody without incident just after 9:45 p.m. before being transported to a local medical facility for evaluation. Additionally, officers reportedly seized approximately 80 firearms and a large quantity of ammunition from the residence.