LEONARDTOWN, Md. -- A sheriff's deputy who went to a home to perform a welfare check found himself in the line of fire Friday, according to the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office.
The deputy made contact with 35-year-old Nancy Martha Ahearn at a Leonardtown residence when he saw an 18-month-old boy pull a bookshelf onto himself, authorities said.
When the deputy went to assist the child, Ahearn went to a closet to get a handgun, according to the sheriff's office. She pointed it at the deputy, who sought cover, and fired.
Ahearn only managed to successfully fire one shot, authorities said, and the deputy was able to disarm her.
Ahearn was taken to St. Mary's Hospital for evaluation. She was charged Wednesday with attempted murder and first-degree assault.
