PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) President Earl Hance opened Tuesday’s meeting with a message for residents: our libraries are safe.
In the wake of a stabbing incident on Aug. 4 at the Calvert County Library, Southern Branch in Solomons, residents expressed concern over public safety.
Calvert County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies were dispatched at 10:08 a.m. to the library at 13920 HG Trueman Road. Upon arrival, they found an adult female victim with two stab wounds to her upper back. Preliminary findings revealed the victim, accompanied by her service dog, had entered the library moments before the assault. Harris then reportedly produced a knife from his pocket and struck the victim.
Deputies canvassed the area and took 33-year-old Eugene Terrill Harris of St. Leonard into custody without further incident.
Commissioner Hance said he’d heard some “stir” around the community regarding the safety of libraries and that he hoped to address those concerns and offer reassurances to the public, so people could continue to enjoy the libraries around the county.
“This was a random act, carried out by an individual that had some issues. It could have happened anywhere in Calvert County,” Hance said. “It’s unfortunate that it happened in our library, where people should feel safe.”
Hance reminded people that the suspect had been apprehended quickly following the incident and commended CCSO’s quick action and efforts to reduce crime within the county.
“Unfortunately, in the world we live in today, these incidents occur,” Hance continued. “You hear it on TV all the time, and people say ‘we never thought it would happen here.’ But sometimes it does. We’re taking all the measures we can to make sure everyone feels safe in Calvert County. We want to make sure everybody feels safe, and we do the best we can. So please, don’t be afraid to attend the library.”
Hance said that CCSO will increase patrols around the Southern Branch of the library for the time being and that the individual injured on Aug. 4 is going to make a full recovery.
Commissioner Mike Hart later added his own statement in a phone call following the meeting.
“I’m deeply disturbed by the incident that took place at the Southern Branch Library. There’s not a place in the world where it’s acceptable for anyone to be harmed or feel unsafe,” Hart said. “Things like that should never happen in Calvert County. My thoughts and prayers are with the victim and their family during this time.”
Hart echoed Hance’s earlier comments that the swift response of CCSO is a testament to how seriously the office takes safety, and he has faith in Sheriff Cox’s commitment to making the county one of the safest in Maryland.
“I also want to assure everyone that we’re all working closely with one another to ensure the safety of our community,” Hart added. “What happened is unacceptable.”
Hart, who grew up in Calvert, said the shock and fear many residents are feeling resonated with him – his goal, he says, is to make sure his family members get to grow up with the same peace of mind he did. That safety also depends on having the full and robust support of the state’s attorney’s office and state and county police.
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Exactly why I carry everywhere I go, I don’t care what the law states, my life and my families life override any law
Maybe if our state legislature wasn’t soft on crime and tough on our rights, this dude would cost us a penny.