CHARGES FILED ON DORCHESTER COUNTY BUSINESS OWNER AFTER HE FOUND PEOPLE INSIDE HIS BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AND USED FIREARM TO DEFEND HIMSELF
Dorchester County, MD - Jon Scott Shilling, was taken into custody by officers from the Cambridge Police Department on April 27, 2025. His arrest followed an event that occurred on April 24, 2025, at the Eastside Laundromat, which prompted the issuance of arrest warrants against him.
The confrontation began when Shilling, the owner of the laundromat, received a security camera alert indicating that individuals were inside his business after closing hours. Shilling reported that the laundromat locks on a timer and closes at 8 p.m.
When he arrived at the scene, he found several individuals inside who, according to him, began to act aggressively toward him. In response, Shilling, who holds a legal concealed carry permit, drew his registered handgun to protect himself.
When officers from the Cambridge Police Department arrived, they found Shilling in possession of a loaded firearm, although there was no ammunition in the chamber.
The officers confiscated the weapon and spoke with the other parties involved. These individuals claimed they had not seen the closing time posted on the window and believed the laundromat was open, as the door was unlocked. They alleged that Shilling had been verbally aggressive and had pointed the gun at them.
Security footage confirmed the presence of the individuals inside the laundromat but did not capture the moment when Shilling allegedly drew the weapon, as the recording had stopped prior to that event.
Following a review of the details, the Dorchester County State's Attorney advised the police to direct the individuals involved to file charges through the Commissioner's Office.
As a result, the victims pursued legal action, leading to the issuance of two arrest warrants against Shilling. These charges included first and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and using a firearm during a felony violent crime.
Shilling was subsequently arrested and initially held in the custody of the Dorchester County Department of Corrections without bond.
The following day, Shilling was provided a bond review in front of the honorable Judge Melvin James Jews, where he was released on his own recognizance.
Disclaimer: This article contains content regarding an individual formally charged with a crime or traffic violation. It is important to underline that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The details mentioned in this article reflect the current stage of the legal proceedings and are not meant to imply or conclude guilt or innocence.
