A Chester, Maryland man is facing serious criminal charges following an incident last week where a Maryland State Police trooper shot him during a knife attack.
Preston Scott Carter, 21, has been charged with attempted first and second-degree murder, reckless endangerment, and assault-related offenses after working with prosecutors in Queen Anne’s County. Carter received medical care at a hospital before being taken to the Queen Anne’s County Detention Center, where he remains without bond.
The incident began at 3:40 p.m. on April 16 when state troopers from the Centreville Barrack were called to Sherman Way in Chester following reports of a disturbance. A 911 caller had reported a man armed with a knife who was making threatening statements.
When officers arrived at the scene, they began speaking with the person who had called for help. During this contact, Carter approached the trooper while brandishing a knife, prompting the officer to discharge her service weapon and wound the suspect.
Emergency medical care was provided to Carter at the scene before he was airlifted to a trauma center by Maryland State Police Aviation Command. No other individuals were hurt during the incident.
Following standard department protocol, the trooper who fired her weapon has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is handling the ongoing investigation, while the Internal Affairs Unit will conduct a separate review as required by policy.
