Man reports trespasser, gets arrested on drug and assault charges
Police say Smithsburg man, 42, was growing marijuana plants on his property
A Smithsburg man is facing drug and assault charges after calling police about a trespasser on his property, who claims he entered the property to steal marijuana plants.
Michael A. McIntyre, 42, called police around 1:30 p.m. Monday to report that a man shot at him and trespassed on his property in the 14200 block of Ridenour Road in Smithsburg, said Cpl. Jennifer Bailey, spokeswoman for the Frederick County Sheriff's Office.
McIntyre told police he saw the trespasser and rode out on an ATV to confront him, Bailey said. McIntyre also said a man then fired at him with an unknown type of firearm before fleeing north on Ridenour Road.
Based on the description of the trespasser, Maryland State Police tracked the man to his home, where they questioned him about the incident. The trespassing suspect told police he entered McIntyre's property intending to steal marijuana plants. He then said McIntyre drove toward him on an ATV before informing him that he was trespassing and threatening to kill him, according to Frederick County District Court documents.
The man said McIntyre fired several shots at him with a silver handgun, court documents said.
The officer returned to McIntyre's residence, where he observed marijuana plants growing within plain view of the driveway, according to court documents. After obtaining a search warrant, the officer seized a loaded silver 9 mm handgun from McIntyre's bedroom, as well as several bags of marijuana and smoking devices.
Other seized evidence included a second handgun, leather holster, digital scale and two marijuana plants, according to court documents. McIntyre was charged with first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and possession of marijuana.
A court date has been set for Sept. 29.
The man who went onto the property to steal the marijuana was not charged because Bailey said there was no evidence he had taken anything.
Investigators returned to the home Tuesday to investigate further, but no additional charges were filed.
"I don't think there will be any additional charges today," Bailey said. "The investigator went back out to be sure they had seized everything they needed to. There were live, very large plants outside, so he was still walking the property, and also looking for shell casings as well."
McIntyre was released on bond Tuesday. Court documents do not list an attorney for him, and the person who answered the phone at McIntyre's residence said he was unavailable.
tlaino@gazette.net
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