With Back to School just around the corner, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration is reminding motorists to slow down, stay alert and know when to stop for school buses.  Also be aware of children walking to and from busses in the mornings and afternoons.  The MVA also reminds drivers to never pass a stopped school bus.  Doing so puts children’s lives in danger and if you are stopped by law enforcement, can result in a fine and points on your license.    

A 67-year-old Chestertown man randomly fired shots from inside his home during a five-hour police standoff last Thursday, sending at least one bullet into an occupied neighboring residence.  Police identified the man as Todd Edward Hughes, who was alone in his residence during the shooting.  Responding officers heard multiple additional shots coming from inside the home over the next two hours.  Special electronic equipment indicated that Hughes was experiencing a severe medical emergency. Investigators believe this medical distress severely impacted his state of mind and may have prompted him to fire the shots as a desperate call for help.  Despite bullets penetrating the exterior walls of his home and entering a neighbor’s house, no injuries were reported.  Following the shooting, authorities seized approximately 80 firearms (including long guns and handguns) and a vast quantity of ammunition from the home. Hughes was initially booked into the Kent County Detention Center without bond. He has been charged with first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and a misdemeanor firearms offense. Following a bail review on Friday, he was released after posting a $10,000 unsecured personal bond.  He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on September 16th in district court.