Woman Whose Punches Missed Still Faces Assault Charge At Green Door Tavern

PARK HALL, Md. — What began as a late-night gathering at a Park Hall bar escalated into a physical confrontation now under criminal review, after sheriff’s deputies say surveillance footage and witness statements supported allegations of an assault reported in the early morning hours. A 32-year-old local woman has been charged in connection with the incident, which police say unfolded over multiple encounters inside and outside the establishment.

According to charging documents, Nicole Anna Simone Atken-Hurst, 32, of Lexington Park, was charged with second-degree assault following an incident reported at The Green Door Tavern. A summons was issued Jan. 19, 2026, and a preliminary inquiry is scheduled for March 6, 2026, court records indicate.

Deputies with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an assault at approximately 12:17 a.m. Dec. 20, 2025. The victim told deputies the alleged assault occurred during the late evening hours of Dec. 19 into the early morning of Dec. 20.

According to the victim’s statement in a police report, he was inside The Green Door Bar from approximately 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., during which time Atken-Hurst was also present. The victim reported that Atken-Hurst initially approached him and initiated a verbal altercation. He stated that he walked away from the interaction.

Approximately one hour later, the victim alleged Atken-Hurst approached him a second time and began kicking him repeatedly, initiating another verbal confrontation. The victim reported that later in the evening, while he was outside the bar smoking, Atken-Hurst allegedly followed him, kicked him, and caused him to fall from a bench to the ground.

Deputies interviewed witnesses inside the bar who, according to police reports, generally corroborated the victim’s account of events. Witnesses stated that Atken-Hurst was forced to leave the establishment following the altercation.

According to court documents, the bartender told deputies that she did not directly observe the alleged assault but reported that Atken-Hurst approached the bar beforehand and stated, “I am sorry for what I am about to do,” according to police documents.

Law enforcement reviewed surveillance footage from The Green Door Bar, which deputies say appears to show the altercation occurring. According to the report, the footage allegedly depicts Atken-Hurst kicking the victim, throwing him to the ground, climbing on top of him, and attempting to strike him, though the punches did not appear to make contact.

When deputies later spoke with Atken-Hurst, she admitted to being heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident. She denied kicking the victim but acknowledged throwing him to the ground, according to charging documents.

Under Maryland law, second-degree assault is classified as a misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,500, if convicted.

---