Chestertown Standoff Ends Peacefully After Medical Crisis

Kent County, MD - On Thursday, August 20, 2026 at approximately 4:10 p.m., the Chestertown Police Department, along with the Kent County Sheriff's Office, responded to the 200 block of Edge of Town Drive in Chestertown for a report of shots fired.

When officers arrived, they heard more shots coming from a specific residence at that location.

Neighbors in the area were notified, and Flatland Road near Edge of Town Drive was closed to traffic as a precaution.

Law enforcement tried to make contact with the resident but were unsuccessful. Over the next two hours, officers continued to hear shots being fired from inside the home.

Additional help arrived from the Maryland State Police, Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office, Cecil County Sheriff's Office, Salisbury Police Department, and Delaware State Police. A Maryland State Police tactical team and crisis negotiators also responded to the scene.

Using specialized equipment, law enforcement determined the resident was having a medical emergency. The individual surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody without incident at 9:48 p.m.

He was transported to a local medical facility for evaluation. Once released from the hospital, the Chestertown Police Department identified him as Todd Edward Hughes, 67, of Chestertown, and served him with criminal charges.

Hughes faces charges of Assault-1st Degree, Assault-2nd Degree, and Reckless Endangerment. Officers also seized approximately 80 firearms and a large quantity of ammunition from the residence.

Hughes was taken before the Kent County District Court Commissioner for an Initial Appearance. He was committed to the Kent County Detention Center without bond.

The Kent & Queen Anne's Rescue Squad, Kent County OES Emergency Medical Services, and Ridgely Volunteer Fire Department also provided support at the scene.

Disclosure: All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Eastern Shore Undercover® does not express or imply any opinion regarding the incident reported.