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Gaithersburg resident Kenneth Oates, 38, is facing multiple charges following an incident reported at Welsh Park in Rockville over the weekend, though no injuries were initially reported.
Gunshots rang out at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 26 at the park, when Oates allegedly fired several shots in the parking lot and fled in a black Honda Civic that was later recovered in Frederick County.
During the investigators, police say that detectives determined that Oates attempted to shoot two people at Welsh Park before speeding away from the area.
He was arrested in DC on Wednesday, Oct. 30.
Oates was charged with two counts each of:
- Attempted first and second-degree murder;
- First- and second-degree assault;
- Reckless endangerment;
- Violation of a protective order.
He was also hit with one count each of the use of a firearm in a crime of violence and possessing a regulated firearm while prohibited.
He's being held in Washington, DC pending an extradition hearing to send him back to Montgomery County.
The investigation into Oates is ongoing.
"The urgency and tenacity of our detectives in this case was unparalleled. They spent countless hours working to quickly bring closure to the victims and residents of our community," Rockville Police Chief Victor Brito stated. "This investigation was our top priority from the onset."
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