Salisbury Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Park Shooting

Salisbury, MD - A Salisbury man is heading to prison for two decades after a confrontation at Salisbury City Park ended in gunfire. Arnold Miles was sentenced to 20 years in the Division of Corrections on June 29, 2026. The sentence comes after a jury convicted him on multiple serious charges earlier this year.

Miles was found guilty on February 18, 2026, following a two-day trial in the Circuit Court for Wicomico County. Jurors convicted him of Assault in the First Degree, Firearm Use in a Crime of Violence, and multiple counts of Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm. The Honorable Donald C. Davis handed down the sentence.

The case started with a family conflict on January 21, 2025. The next day, Miles exchanged text messages with his step-daughter and her boyfriend. The two men agreed to meet at Salisbury City Park that evening to talk things out. That meeting quickly turned dangerous.

According to the State's Attorney's Office, Miles pulled out a handgun he was legally barred from having and pointed it at the boyfriend. The victim showed up unarmed and put his hands up to prove he posed no threat.

As the victim tried to back away, Miles fired the gun in his direction. The bullet flew past the victim's ear, narrowly missing him. He managed to escape and called police right away, who responded quickly to the scene.

Court records show Miles wasn't allowed to have firearms or ammunition because of prior convictions. He was also on probation for two separate narcotics cases when this shooting happened.

Wicomico County State's Attorney Jamie L. Dykes had strong words about the case. "I am grateful to the jury for their thoughtful consideration of the facts in reaching a verdict, and to the Court for imposing a sentence that reflects the gravity of the Defendant's actions," Dykes said. "My office will continue to be diligent in holding accountable those who illegally possess and use firearms to conduct their violent acts. Gun violence, especially committed by those who are prohibited from possessing firearms, will never be tolerated in Wicomico County."

Dykes also praised the Salisbury Police Department for their fast response and thorough investigation. Detective Nathan Schrlau was specifically recognized as the lead investigator on the case. Assistant State's Attorney Alexandra Stamnas was credited for her prosecution work that led to the conviction.