Paige Taylor Hartness

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

A welfare check in Maryland turned into a tense and dangerous confrontation after a woman allegedly pointed a gun at deputies before being shot. 

Lexington Park resident Paige Taylor Hartness, 34, is behind bars following an investigation into an officer-involved shooting in late October that rapidly escalated, according to the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators say that while conducting the welfare check, deputies were advised that Hartness had just left a home in the area with the caller's gun.

Hartness was located in a vehicle at the MedStar Health facility on East Run Drive, and deputies attempted to communicate with her. 

She was uncommunicative and fled from the car, officials said. 

During the ensuing foot chase, Hartness pointed a handgun at deputies, prompting two deputies to discharge their firearms, striking her.

Hartness was charged through the warrant with 10 counts, including:

  • First-degree assault;
  • Second-degree assault;
  • Firearm use during the commission of a felony/crime of violence;
  • Reckless endangerment;
  • Two counts of loaded handgun on person;
  • Two counts of loaded handgun in vehicle;
  • Possession of a stolen regulated firearm;
  • Theft of $100 to under $1,500.

She's being held at the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown without bond.