A Horrifying Holiday Encounter: Maryland Man Arrested After Confronting Young Carolers with a Gun
In a disturbing incident that shattered the peaceful spirit of the holiday season, 58-year-old Paul Brian Susie of Annapolis, Maryland, faces serious assault charges after allegedly threatening three 12-year-old girls with a loaded firearm. The young girls were simply going door-to-door singing Christmas carols when they encountered Susie’s frightening response. This shocking confrontation, which occurred on a December evening around 8:30 PM, has left the community stunned and raises concerning questions about gun safety, alcohol consumption, and the fragility of innocence during what should be a joyful time of year.
The incident unfolded on Point No Point Drive when the three girls, filled with holiday spirit, knocked twice on Susie’s door, announcing their intentions to share Christmas carols with the household. Instead of receiving a warm welcome or even a polite decline, the girls were met with the terrifying sight of Susie appearing in a bay window adjacent to the front door, brandishing his .40-caliber Glock handgun. The sudden appearance of the weapon sent the young carolers fleeing in fear, their festive evening transformed into a traumatic experience. One of the girls’ mothers later reported the frightening encounter to the Anne Arundel County Police, who responded promptly to investigate the alarming situation that had unfolded in their community.
According to court documents obtained by local media, Susie told authorities that he had been drinking with his wife and watching television when the carolers arrived at his home. Police officers who responded to the call described Susie as intoxicated, “loud,” and “belligerent” during their interaction with him. Perhaps most troublingly, Susie reportedly admitted to intentionally threatening the young girls with his firearm – a confession that underscores the seriousness of his actions and the potential danger he posed to the children. This combination of alcohol consumption and access to a loaded weapon created a situation that could have ended far more tragically than it did, highlighting ongoing concerns about responsible gun ownership and the volatile mix of firearms and impaired judgment.
In their investigation, police recovered the loaded handgun from Susie’s gun safe and confirmed that he did possess a valid Maryland Handgun Permit through the Maryland Gun Center. Despite his legal right to own the firearm, the manner in which he allegedly used it – to threaten unarmed children engaged in a harmless holiday tradition – resulted in his arrest on charges of first- and second-degree assault. These serious charges reflect the potential harm that could have come to the young carolers and the psychological impact of having a weapon pointed at them. The incident serves as a stark reminder that legal gun ownership comes with significant responsibilities, particularly regarding when and how firearms are displayed or used in the presence of others.
Following his arrest, Susie was initially held in custody but was released the next day after posting a $10,000 unsecured bond. His legal journey is far from over, however, as he is scheduled to appear in court on December 17 to face the assault charges stemming from this incident. The legal system will now determine the consequences for his actions, balancing factors such as his admission to police, his state of intoxication at the time, and the impact of his behavior on the young victims. The case has attracted significant attention in the community and beyond, serving as a sobering counterpoint to the usual heartwarming stories that circulate during the holiday season.
The incident on Point No Point Drive represents more than just a local crime story – it symbolizes how quickly the innocence and joy of childhood traditions can be shattered by adult actions. For the three young girls who simply wanted to spread holiday cheer through their caroling, the evening left them with memories far different from the ones they should have been creating. Parents in the community now face difficult conversations with their children about safety, trust, and the unfortunate reality that not everyone responds to kindness with kindness in return. Meanwhile, neighbors and community members must reconcile the dissonance between the season’s messages of peace and goodwill with the harsh reality that unfolded on their street. As the legal process moves forward, this case stands as a reminder of how important it is to protect the traditions and experiences that make the holiday season special, particularly for the youngest members of our communities who deserve to experience the wonder of the season without fear or trauma.
