(Aug. 25, 2016) District Court Judge Gerald Purnell agreed with the prosecution on Tuesday in Snow Hill that there was enough evidence against Worcester County Deputy Fire Marshal Rodney Sharpley, 54, of Pocomoke City, to remand the case to Circuit Court.
Sharpley is facing charges, including a felony, stemming from an incident in late June that ended with him allegedly pointing a handgun at both a uniformed, on-duty Pocomoke City Police Officer and the juvenile daughter of Sharpley’s live-in girlfriend.
According to testimony, Sharpley was ordered several times by police to drop the weapon before complying.
Officer Thomas testified that after police identified themselves to Sharpley, he held them and the juvenile at gunpoint for 10 seconds.
“Ten seconds is a lifetime when you have a gun pointed at you,” Buhrt said.
Following the confrontation, Sharpley was said to place the weapon on an inside table and invited officers in to speak.
The incident ended with a felony firearm charge, two charges of assault in the first degree, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and consumption of alcohol to the point of endangerment.
The incident began around 11 p.m. on June 15 in the area of Market and 8th Streets in Pocomoke, according to police, when the juvenile daughter was spotted running down the street in shorts and a bra.
A citizen called in the incident. Through defense attorney Richard Parolski’s cross-examination of Buhrt, it was revealed this citizen was a work acquaintance of the juvenile, and the young woman was being pursued by her mother following an argument. No physical injuries were incurred by the juvenile, according to testimony.
Buhrt said police later determined where the juvenile lived, and at about midnight that evening conducted a welfare check at the residence where both Sharpley and the juvenile’s mother live.
Knocking on the door, police received no answer for “a few minutes” before the juvenile appeared at the door, and was taken to the end of the residence’s driveway to speak with police, apparently to avoid barking dogs.
The juvenile told police that Sharpley and her mother had been drinking all evening. Eventually, an argument erupted, and Buhrt confirmed it was the child’s mother, not Sharpley as police reported at the time of the incident, who had removed the young woman’s shirt during the course of the altercation. The child ran from the house during the quarrel.
While the discussion with the juvenile was taking place, Sharpley reportedly appeared. According to Parolski, Sharpley is a former correctional officer and is permitted to own firearms.
Buhrt confirmed Sharpley announced he had a weapon, and pointed it at an officer and the teenaged girl while standing in the driveway.
Following his arrest, Sharpley posted bail and was released.
During the hearing, the prosecution informed Judge Purnell that the child had asked to return to the home. Purnell decided to allow the Department of Social Services to continue procedures already underway with regard to the matter.
Following the decision, Parolski and Sharpley declined to comment.
The trial date in circuit court is set for Sept. 23.
Sharpley is facing charges, including a felony, stemming from an incident in late June that ended with him allegedly pointing a handgun at both a uniformed, on-duty Pocomoke City Police Officer and the juvenile daughter of Sharpley’s live-in girlfriend.
According to testimony, Sharpley was ordered several times by police to drop the weapon before complying.
Officer Thomas testified that after police identified themselves to Sharpley, he held them and the juvenile at gunpoint for 10 seconds.
“Ten seconds is a lifetime when you have a gun pointed at you,” Buhrt said.
Following the confrontation, Sharpley was said to place the weapon on an inside table and invited officers in to speak.
The incident ended with a felony firearm charge, two charges of assault in the first degree, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and consumption of alcohol to the point of endangerment.
The incident began around 11 p.m. on June 15 in the area of Market and 8th Streets in Pocomoke, according to police, when the juvenile daughter was spotted running down the street in shorts and a bra.
A citizen called in the incident. Through defense attorney Richard Parolski’s cross-examination of Buhrt, it was revealed this citizen was a work acquaintance of the juvenile, and the young woman was being pursued by her mother following an argument. No physical injuries were incurred by the juvenile, according to testimony.
Buhrt said police later determined where the juvenile lived, and at about midnight that evening conducted a welfare check at the residence where both Sharpley and the juvenile’s mother live.
Knocking on the door, police received no answer for “a few minutes” before the juvenile appeared at the door, and was taken to the end of the residence’s driveway to speak with police, apparently to avoid barking dogs.
The juvenile told police that Sharpley and her mother had been drinking all evening. Eventually, an argument erupted, and Buhrt confirmed it was the child’s mother, not Sharpley as police reported at the time of the incident, who had removed the young woman’s shirt during the course of the altercation. The child ran from the house during the quarrel.
While the discussion with the juvenile was taking place, Sharpley reportedly appeared. According to Parolski, Sharpley is a former correctional officer and is permitted to own firearms.
Buhrt confirmed Sharpley announced he had a weapon, and pointed it at an officer and the teenaged girl while standing in the driveway.
Following his arrest, Sharpley posted bail and was released.
During the hearing, the prosecution informed Judge Purnell that the child had asked to return to the home. Purnell decided to allow the Department of Social Services to continue procedures already underway with regard to the matter.
Following the decision, Parolski and Sharpley declined to comment.
The trial date in circuit court is set for Sept. 23.