Barricade Situation in Princess Anne

Maryland State Police say they are investigating after they were called to a home in Princess Anne around 4:48 p.m. this afternoon for a barricaded subject with a firearm inside.

Troopers say Maggie Jo Hobbs contacted them reporting that her boyfriend Darryl Birkett had barricaded himself and their 6-month-old child inside his residence. Hobbs said she and Birkett had been arguing for most of the day when he took custody of the child, walked into the bedroom and advised he had access to a shotgun. Hobbs then ran from the residence and called 9-1-1. She stated to dispatchers that Birkett had assaulted her and threatened to kill himself and the child.

Authorities from multiple jurisdictions arrived on the scene. After a brief period and verbal contact with the suspect, Birkett surrendered himself and was taken into custody without further incident. The 6-month-old child was unharmed and given to his mother.

Further investigation uncovered that Hobbs’ initial facts on the phone had not coincided with the statements she made to Troopers on the scene. Authorities determined that no assault of Hobbs occurred, and although Birkett had access to a shotgun, he never retrieved it or threatened to use it on her or the child in any manner.

Troopers say Birkett was sent to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for the statements he admitted to making. Troopers also say that no charges would be filed as no crime had occurred between the two parties. The investigation continues.