Man Licks Trick-Or-Treater's Ear, Points Gun At Her Mom: Police

SEVERN, MD — A man licked a trick-or-treater and followed her home on Halloween in Severn, police said. Officers said the man also tried to enter the girl's house before pointing a gun at her mother.

Authorities said they arrested the suspect, identified as 66-year-old Cedrick Steven Paines of Severn.

Police said they were called for an assault with a handgun Tuesday around 6:20 p.m. in the 8200 block of Dunfield Court.

The victim's mother reported that Paines licked her daughter's ear while she was trick-or-treating at his house, officers said. Authorities said he then followed the child as she ran home.

According to police, Paines tried to enter the victim's house, but her mother pushed him back to keep him from entering. Authorities said Paines then pointed a handgun at the mother and pulled the trigger, but the gun did not fire.

Police said they found Paines after he returned to his house. Officers said they executed a search warrant at the home and found:

• Two handguns
• One shotgun
• A .22-caliber rifle
• Ammunition

Authorities charged Paines with assault, reckless endangerment and use of a firearm in a violent crime. Paines' file said he was released until his trial after posting $5,000 in bond on Wednesday.

Even though authorities already made an arrest, detectives still asked anybody with information to call 410-222-6155. Tipsters can stay anonymous by dialing 410-222-4700.

Patch editor Jacob Baumgart originally wrote this report.