LEONARDTOWN, MD (July 24, 2025) – The suspect has been identified as Nathaniel Mekhi Golphin, 19, of California, MD. He remains hospitalized in stable condition, and a warrant with criminal charges has been issued for the following:
- Handgun on person
- Loaded handgun on person
- Possession of a firearm being under 21years of age
- Firearm possession with a criminal violent felony conviction
- Illegal possession of ammunition
- Knowingly altering a manufacturer's identification number on a firearm
Detective Corporal Warren Forinash, an eight-year veteran of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, was identified as the deputy who fired his weapon, striking the suspect once. Per agency policy, Cpl. Forinash has been placed on administrative leave pending investigations by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office of Professional Responsibilities and Criminal Investigations Division.
This incident remains under investigation, and updates will be provided as the investigation continues. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident and has not yet given a statement is asked to contact Detective Andrew Burgess at 301-475-4200, ext. 8041, or by email at Andrew.Burgess@stmaryscountymd.gov.
ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE:
Officer Involved Non-Fatal Shooting of Armed Suspect
LEONARDTOWN, MD (July 23, 2025) – On July 23, 2025, at approximately 6:10 p.m., an officer-involved shooting occurred in California, MD. The preliminary investigation revealed deputies located a subject wanted on a search warrant at a retail store in the San Souci Plaza. As deputies approached the individual, he fled. Deputies pursued him. The individual displayed a firearm, and a deputy discharged his agency weapon one time, striking the subject.
Deputies immediately rendered aid until emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene. The subject, a 19-year-old male, was transported via Maryland State Police Aviation Command to an area trauma center for treatment, where he is currently listed in critical but stable condition.
The suspect’s firearm was recovered at the scene.
No other injuries were reported.
Per agency policy, the deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave pending investigations by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office of Professional Responsibilities and Criminal Investigations Division.
In accordance with Maryland law, the Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Office of the Attorney General was contacted and briefed but declined to investigate at this time.
This incident remains under investigation, and updates will be provided as the investigation continues. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident and has not yet given a statement is asked to contact Detective Andrew Burgess at 301-475-4200, ext. 8041, or by email at Andrew.Burgess@stmaryscountymd.gov.
