Earlier this month outside of a small town in northern Maryland, four men reportedly entered the home of a 26-year-old man. Police claim the men entered the home in order to steal money, weapons and drugs. The alleged theft occurred at approximately 2 a.m. on a mid-December night, when the 26-year-old man was shot in the leg during the altercation. His dog was also shot. A 19-year-old girl in the apartment was threatened but not harmed.

Police believe they have apprehended the four men, one of which was taken into custody after police were allowed to enter the home his grandmother. He was allegedly found hiding underneath some clothes in a closet. Authorities believe he was the one who shot the apartment resident. He has been accused of attempted murder, armed robbery, first-degree assault and several other charges.

A resident of the town recently reported the discovery of a handgun in some bushes a few blocks away from the location of the alleged robbery. State police investigators believe it is the gun supposedly used to shoot the man.

Three other male suspects, ranging in age from 23 to 25, have also been arrested. The charges against them are similar to those of the first man. A female who was allegedly driving the men is expected to face charges.

Maryland State Police also plan to file charges against the victim of the reported theft after they allegedly found more than 50 marijuana plants and nine guns in his home. After he was shot he was airlifted to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center and his dog was taken to a veterinarian.

The situation sounds complicated for all parties involved. Those not yet facing charges but are expecting them would be wise to immediately consult with criminal defense attorneys, who can fight to ensure that all legal rights were respected by the police.

Source: Carroll County Times, "Police charge man in Taneytown shooting after daylong search," Peter Panepinto, Dec. 18, 2011