May 12, 2010

Police seek public’s help in locating man wanted for attempted murder

NEWS RELEASE

HOWARD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
For release: May 12, 2010 Contact: Elizabeth Schroen, 410-313-2236

Police seek public’s help in locating man wanted for attempted murder
Reward of up to $1,000 offered

Howard County police are asking the public’s help in locating a Gaithersburg man wanted for attempting to murder a female friend and are offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to his apprehension.

Police have a warrant for the arrest of Robert Lewis Thornton, 46, of 1207 Knoll Mist Lane in Gaithersburg. He faces charges of attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, attempted carjacking, attempted armed robbery and reckless endangerment.

On Monday at approximately 11:14 p.m., police responded to Brighton Dam Road in Fulton near the county line for a reported assault.  Police believe Thornton and a female friend, a Howard County woman in her 40s
who is not being identified at this time, had an argument in a neighboring county.

As the victim left the area in her vehicle, the suspect followed her in his car.  Police believe the suspect, driving a Dodge Ram pick-up truck, intentionally rearended the victim, driving a Chrysler sedan, causing the victim to lose control of her car and pull over on the shoulder of Brighton Dam Road in Howard County.

The suspect also lost control of his vehicle, striking a tree.  Police then believe the suspect chased the victim into a nearby wooded area, made threats against her life and cut her in the neck with an unknown object. The suspect fled the area on foot.

A passerby called police, and the victim was transported to the University of Maryland, Shock Trauma, where she was treated and released.

Police are offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect. Anyone with
information is asked to call 410-313-STOP. Callers may remain anonymous.

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