Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing early Monday morning at a Royal Farms convenience store in Lexington Park.
At approximately 1 a.m., deputies were dispatched to the Royal Farms located at 21779 Tulagi Place. Upon arrival, deputies located a 20-year-old male victim suffering from lacerations to his hand and face.
The preliminary investigation determined the victim was involved in an altercation with Lavonte Draven Solomon, during which Solomon allegedly produced a knife, causing the victim’s injuries. Solomon fled the scene immediately following the incident.
Shortly afterward, deputies located Solomon in the area of South Coral Drive suffering from life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle. Solomon was transported to a regional trauma center, where he remains in critical condition.
Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division assumed the investigation and, through further inquiry, identified and located the driver involved in the vehicular assault. Brian Labar Taylor, 39, of Lexington Park, was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center. Taylor was charged with attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and second-degree assault. He remains incarcerated pending a bond hearing.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information related to this incident is asked to contact Detective Helen Deitrich at 301-475-4200, ext. 8066, or by email at Helen.Deitrich@stmaryscountymd.gov.
*Booking photo not available at the time of news release.
Tipsters can also submit tips anonymously:
• Text 847411, starting your message with “SMCSO”, add a space, and then your tip.
• Online: Submit a tip through the Sheriff’s Office website at www.FirstSheriff.com/tips.
• App: Send a tip directly through the SMCSO app. Download the free app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
For those who prefer to make a phone call, tips can also be shared through the Crime Solvers line at 301-475-3333. With Crime Solvers, you never have to give your name. You may be eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.
