LA PLATA, Md. — A 69-year-old La Plata woman remains held without bond after court records allege she struck a Charles County deputy with keys during a confrontation that reportedly included threats and refusal to surrender a knife. Martha Marie Copeland of La Plata faces first-degree assault charges following the Oct. 7, 2025, incident, according to charging documents.
Court records state deputies responded to the 11300 block of Dobbins Lane around 1:12 p.m. for an assault report. According to the documents, a deputy found Copeland sitting on a swing while talking on her cellphone with an orange knife next to her right side. Authorities said the deputy ordered Copeland to place the knife on the ground.
Copeland allegedly refused the commands, reportedly telling the deputy to “get off my property,” court filings show. Records indicate Copeland then raised the knife in the air with her right hand in what authorities described as a threatening manner. Documents state the deputy drew a Taser and again ordered her to drop the weapon.
Court filings allege Copeland then threatened, “I’ll go grab my gun,” before standing up and running toward her house. Authorities said the deputy pursued Copeland on foot and grabbed her by the shoulders in an attempt to stop her. Filings state Copeland then turned toward the deputy and struck the deputy in the upper right eyebrow with a pair of keys.
According to charging documents, the deputy grabbed Copeland by her waist and performed a rear takedown to detain her. Records allege Copeland threatened, “Now you’re dead, I’m going to kill you,” after being placed under arrest. Court papers indicate authorities transported Copeland to Charles Regional Medical Center for evaluation of possible injuries before booking her at the Charles County Detention Center.
Copeland faces charges of first-degree assault, which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment, and second-degree assault, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a $2,500 fine if convicted. The first-degree assault charge reflects the alleged attack on a law enforcement officer, according to court filings.
Judge Robert B. Riddle presided over Copeland’s initial bail review on Oct. 8, 2025, ordering her held without bond. Documents show Judge Andrea R.S. Watkins conducted a second bail review on Oct. 10, 2025, maintaining the no-bond status. Court records state the dual reviews were conducted due to the serious nature of the allegations involving law enforcement.
Court filings indicate Judge Riddle also ordered a competency evaluation through the Maryland Department of Health on Oct. 8, 2025. The assessment is intended to determine Copeland’s ability to understand the charges and assist in her defense. Such evaluations are standard procedure when questions arise about a defendant’s competency to stand trial.
The Charles County Public Defender’s Office entered an appearance on Copeland’s behalf on Oct. 8, 2025. Defense counsel filed motions for a speedy trial and discovery inspection, records show. A status hearing is scheduled for Oct. 15, 2025, followed by a preliminary hearing on Nov. 5, 2025.
First-degree assault charges in Maryland apply when a person is accused of causing or attempting to cause serious physical injury or when the victim is a law enforcement officer, parole or probation agent, or firefighter engaged in official duties. The enhanced charge carries more severe penalties than standard assault offenses. Court filings allege Copeland made multiple threats during the encounter and refused lawful commands before the physical altercation.
All proceedings will take place in Charles County District Court in La Plata. The State’s Attorney’s Office for Charles County is prosecuting the case.
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As someone who spent 40 years in law enforcement, the way this story reads would indicate the officer was the one at fault. It represents that the officer was on personal property, without a warrant or probable cause, and initiated and escalated the confrontation.
40 Years HAHA !! You must be friends of the accused .. Nothing here says this is on the officer .. There was cause to be at the residence base on the article .. She escalated this issue based on the article… You are not a 40 year vet of law enforcement .. You may be as coo koo as the accused…