MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — A Mechanicsville man is facing felony and misdemeanor assault charges after Maryland State Police say he racked a shotgun during a domestic dispute while intoxicated.
According to court records from St. Mary’s County District Court, troopers responded to the 25000 block of Jones Road around 12:19 a.m. on June 10 following a report of a verbal domestic incident involving firearms.
The man’s wife told authorities that Darrin James Cook, 59, returned home visibly intoxicated and angry. She said he asked for access to firearms in the home, and when she refused, he grew increasingly agitated. Out of concern for her safety, she locked herself in a spare bedroom and used a door stopper to prevent entry.
According to the statement of probable cause, Cook allegedly retrieved a shotgun from under the bed in the primary bedroom and called out, “You forgot this one,” before loudly racking the firearm. Fearing he might be armed and dangerous, the woman stayed locked in the room until troopers arrived.
When police entered the home, Cook exited the bedroom unarmed. He reportedly admitted to racking the shotgun “to prove a point” and confirmed that he had consumed alcohol. He described the situation as a verbal dispute and said he had no intent to cause harm.
Troopers recovered an unloaded Mossberg 500 20-gauge shotgun in a black gun case under the bed. Ammunition found in a nearby safe was determined to be incompatible with the firearm, per court documents.
Cook was arrested at 2 a.m. and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He is charged with:
First-degree assault (felony)
Second-degree assault (misdemeanor)
He remains held without bond pending further court proceedings.
