Rockville City Police Department (RCPD) arrested Kenneth Oates, 38, of Gaithersburg in connection to the Welsh Park shooting on Oct. 26.
RCPD responded to a call of gunshots being fired at the park shortly after 12:30 p.m. and determined it occurred in the parking lot. RCPD said witnesses saw a black Honda Civic flee the scene.
RCPD said they located and recovered the vehicle in Frederick County on Oct. 27. Police determined Oates was the suspect for attempting to shoot two people at Welsh Park, according to a press release. No injuries were reported.
RCPD obtained a warrant and arrested Oates in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 30. Oates is charged with the following:
- Two counts of attempted first-degree murder
- Two counts of attempted second-degree murder
- Two counts of first-degree assault
- Two counts of second-degree assault
- Two counts of reckless endangerment
- Two counts of violation of a protective order
- Use of a firearm in a crime of violence and possessing a regulated firearm while prohibited
According to the release, Oates is currently held in Washington, D.C., pending an extradition hearing.
RCPD Chief Victor Brito said, “The urgency and tenacity of our detectives in this case was unparalleled. They spent countless hours working to quickly bring closure to the victims and residents of our community. This investigation was our top priority from the onset.”
RCPD said the investigation is still ongoing.
RCPD makes arrest in the October 26th shooting in Welsh Park. Kenneth Oates, 38, of Gaithersburg is currently being held in Washington, D.C. on attempted first degree murder charges. https://t.co/nIXoN7RtiY
— Rockville City Police Department (@RockvilleCityPD) October 30, 2024
Related Article
Investigation Ongoing After Shots Fired at Park in Rockville
