A recent arrest in Maryland revealed a bizarre range of discoveries, as deputies took a landlord into custody for allegedly threatening his tenants with a firearm. During the arrest, they uncovered an alligator, a caiman, a snake, an emu, and six handguns on the property, according to local authorities.
The suspect, identified as 57-year-old Sir Leander Evans Gamble of Waldorf, was taken into custody on July 3. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were responding to a call about an assault involving a weapon at a property on Penjack Place at the time.
Investigators allege that Gamble confronted three tenants renting a trailer on his land, physically assaulted them, and later returned with a handgun from his house. He is accused of pointing the gun at the victims and issuing threats before officers arrived and arrested him at the location.
The charges against Sir Leander Evans Gamble, 57, from Waldorf, Maryland, include aggravated assault. (Charles County Sheriff’s Office)
The individuals involved were identified by police as a woman, her 28-year-old son, and his girlfriend, who was eight months pregnant during the ordeal, as reported by FOX5 DC. The woman shared her story with the station, noting the emotional trauma and financial burden the incident has caused her.
Authorities executed a search warrant at Gamble’s residence and recovered six handguns, the sheriff’s office said.
An alligator, like the one pictured above, was found during the investigation, according to authorities. (iStock)
The investigation took another turn when Charles County Animal Control officers responding to the scene found multiple animals allegedly being kept in neglectful conditions, including an alligator, a caiman, a snake, an emu, dogs, cats and pigs.
“Charles County Animal Control officers determined the animals were being kept in conditions that did not comply with Maryland animal cruelty statutes,” Jennifer L. Harris, chief of media services for the Charles County Government, said in a statement to the outlet.
All the animals were removed from the property, Harris said, adding that Animal Control’s investigation into their welfare remains active.
An emu, like the one pictured above, was found at the property during the investigation, authorities said. (Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union via Reuters, File)
The renters also alleged that a dog named Carter died after Gamble failed to provide air conditioning in the trailer, according to FOX 5. Animal Control has not confirmed the dog’s cause of death.
Gamble was charged with aggravated assault, and authorities said additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues. He was being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center.