Montgomery County Police say they have arrested and charged 29-year-old John Tomlinson for a December 13, 2021 shooting in downtown Silver Spring.
“On December 13, at approximately 2:14 a.m., 3rd District Officers responded to the area of Thayer Ave. and Mayor Lane for the report of a shooting that just occurred,” reads an MCPD news release.
“The investigation by detectives has determined that an individual, later identified as John Tomlinson, observed an impaired driver colliding with his friend’s vehicle parked on Mayor Lane. Tomlinson observed his friend engaging in a physical altercation with the driver of the striking vehicle. Tomlinson ran down the street, retrieved a handgun from another vehicle, and returned to the scene. He then fired multiple rounds at the victim driver, striking his vehicle, street signs and at least five businesses on Bonifant St. The victim was not injured.
“During the course of the investigation, Tomlinson was identified as a potential suspect. Probable cause was developed to charge Tomlinson with attempted first-degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm via an arrest warrant.
“On January 31, 2022, undercover detectives observed Tomlinson leaving Society Restaurant & Lounge in downtown Silver Spring. Detectives followed Tomlinson as he was approaching a vehicle. Tomlinson noticed that he was being followed by detectives and attempted to flee the scene, but he was quickly apprehended. Two firearms were recovered from this vehicle, which had been reported as stolen out of Loudoun County, Virginia.
“Tomlinson was transported to the Central Processing Unit, where he was also charged with firearm possession with felony conviction, loaded handgun in vehicle and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. He is being held without bond.”
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