SEVERN, MD – A female child trick-or-treating in Severn received an extremely frightening reception from a man last night that landed him behind bars.
On October 31, at 6:20 p.m., officers were summoned to the 8200 block of Dunfield Court following an alarming assault incident involving a handgun. A mother reported that her daughter was inappropriately licked on the ear by an adult male neighbor during trick-or-treat activities at his home.
The frightened child ran back home, but the suspect pursued her, attempting to force entry into the family’s residence. In defense, the mother pushed the man away, only to face the threat of a handgun aimed directly at her. The assailant attempted to discharge the weapon, but it failed to fire. He then retreated to his own home.
Arriving officers were able to apprehend the suspect in his residence. Subsequent to an executed search warrant, multiple firearms, including two handguns, a shotgun, a .22 caliber rifle, and ammunition were discovered and seized.
Authorities arrested Cedrick Steven Paines, a 66-year-old resident of Severn, Maryland. Detectives continue their investigation and encourage anyone with relevant information to contact 410-222-6155. Those who wish to stay anonymous can relay information via the Anne Arundel County Police tip line at 410-222-4700.