WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. (WMAR) — A 12-year-old's heroic escape may have saved a woman and child's life during a home invasion last week in Wicomico County.
On February 25, three armed suspects invaded a home in the 2500 block of Elzey Brown Loop in Mardela Springs.
The Sheriff's Office said they held the 12-year-old along with a woman and an 8-year-old hostage at gunpoint for nearly an hour.
Two of the suspects allegedly used a shotgun and handgun and held it to the victims heads all while screaming out demands.
They even tried kidnapping the woman and 12-year-old, and at one point pulled the shotgun trigger several times in an attempt to kill the woman. But luckily, officials say the gun malfunctioned.
Somehow the 12-year-old was able escape and have a neighbor call 911.
The suspects then fled with stolen money and electronics.
Detectives found witnesses and evidence on scene that led them to four suspects; Travis Lamonte Gaines, Amanda Lynn Flowers, Craig Donnell Gibson, and Jamar Obrian Brown.
Investigators were able to track Gaines and Flowers to a home belonging to Gibson in the 11000 block of San Domingo Road, that was already under investigation for drug distribution.
Inside police found the shotgun believed to be used in the home invasion along with crack cocaine, a digital scale, money, and cell phones.
Gibson admitted to allowing drug dealers to use the home to manufacture and sell drugs.
Detectives also found that Gibson helped with the home invasion by providing the shotgun, which was actually test fired before Gaines and Brown tried unsuccessfully to shoot the woman.
Officials say Brown is still on the loose and should be considered armed and dangerous.
Meanwhile, Flowers and Gaines are each charged with multiple crimes including Home Invasion, Kidnapping, Burglary, Assault, Armed Robbery, and gun violations.
Gibson faces several conspiracy charges related to the home invasion.
Anyone with information should call Cpl. Bennett at 410-548-4898 or Crime Solvers of the Lower Eastern Shore at 410-548-1776.
