LEXINGTON PARK, Md. – On Wednesday, January 1, 2025, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies responded to a report of a subject with a firearm following an assault. Deputies arrived at approximately 7:52 p.m. at a residence in the 22000 block of Oxford Court in Lexington Park.

Witnesses reported that Timothy Ignatius Gatton, 22, had assaulted a female juvenile by kicking her in the ribs. Witnesses also informed deputies that a firearm was inside the residence. During the investigation, deputies located an unserialized 9mm handgun inside the home and confirmed it was unregistered and belonged to Gatton.

The juvenile victim’s mother reported that Gatton kicked the child in the ribs after being kicked in the face during horseplay. Emergency medical personnel treated the juvenile at the scene.

A male witness, who also resides at the Oxford Court home, reported a verbal altercation between himself and Gatton. During the argument, Gatton allegedly pulled the 9mm handgun from his waistband, pointed it, and pulled the trigger. The weapon did not discharge.

Gatton was arrested and charged with first-degree assault, child abuse, and unlawful possession of an unserialized firearm. He was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown.

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