Maryland Man Allegedly Assaults Child & Mother on Halloween, Parked Nibbling on Girl’s Ear
A terrifying incident occurred on Halloween night when a Maryland man allegedly assaulted a child and her mother during their trick-or-treating outing. The assailant, identified as Cedrick Paines, 66, reportedly had a shocking encounter with a young girl and resorted to biting her ear before following her home.
According to local authorities, Paines even attempted to force his way into the girl’s residence. When the girl’s courageous mother pushed him away, Paines allegedly pulled out a handgun and attempted to shoot her. Fortunately, the gun malfunctioned, sparing any physical harm to the mother.
Paines now faces multiple charges, including first-degree assault and weapons violations, as reported by Anne Arundel County police. The authorities promptly arrested him after he returned home following the encounter.
During questioning, Paines denied having touched the girl’s ear but admitted getting close to it. He bizarrely claimed that he often jokes around with his grandchildren by playfully biting their fingers. However, given the serious nature of the incident, such behavior is deeply concerning.
As part of the investigation, officers executed a search warrant at Paines’ residence and discovered a cache of firearms. Two handguns, one shotgun, and a .22 caliber rifle were seized from the premises. Surprisingly, Paines is not prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, according to the Maryland Gun Center. This revelation raises important questions about firearm regulation and the potential risks associated with individuals who may be allowed to possess firearms but exhibit concerning behaviors.
Neighbors expressed shock and concern over the incident, highlighting the impact such incidents can have on communities. Tionna Dennis, a resident of the neighborhood, expressed her worry, saying, The young kids that want to get dressed up and go knock on doors, they can’t even do that now, because of this. And in my own neighborhood? That’s nasty. The incident has left a chilling effect on the community, reminding everyone of the importance of safety during festive occasions.
Instances like these serve as a reminder that while Halloween is meant to be a fun and joyous occasion, it is crucial to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of ourselves and our loved ones. Communities are urged to be cautious and look out for any suspicious activities, promptly reporting them to law enforcement. As this case unfolds, local residents hope for justice to be served and for measures to be taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
