Man Taken Into Custody After Shots Fired at Law Enforcement in Preston, Maryland

Preston, MD - Deputies responded to Richardson Road in Preston, Maryland, on April 16, 2026, for a welfare check. While they were en route, the 911 Center advised that John Corey Schmidt had stated he was in possession of a handgun and would shoot law enforcement if officers came to the residence.

When deputies arrived, Schmidt fired at them as they entered the driveway.

While deputies were speaking with Schmidt's father in the yard, Schmidt fired at them again from inside the residence.

He later broke out a front window and threw the handgun into the front yard.

After numerous commands, Schmidt exited the residence peacefully and was taken into custody without further incident.

He was later seen by the Caroline County District Court Commissioner and was ordered held without bond pending a future court appearance.

Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Maryland State Police.

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.