At 12:35 p.m. Feb. 25, Dfc. Milton Pesante was in his patrol vehicle outside of the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court building in Leonardtown when he observed two women engaged in a verbal confrontation.
Dfc. Pesante exited his vehicle to investigate the situation. As the officer approached the two women he observed Joan Elizabeth Baker, 38 of Callaway, strike the victim, 20 of Mechanicsville, across the face with an open hand.
Dfc. Pesante immediately separated the parties and placed Baker under arrest for second-degree assault.
An interview of the victim revealed the verbal confrontation was a result of a court sentencing which had just taken place.