Hostage Barricade Ends Peacefully

LUSBY, MD:   On Tuesday, September 7, 2004, at approximately 9:15 PM, officers from the Maryland State Police in Calvert County and Calvert County Sheriff's deputies  responded to a private residence on Red Lands Road, Lusby, to investigate a reported domestic assault, reports Lt. Homer Rich, Commander of the Prince Frederick Barracks. 

Neighbors who reside near the victim and suspect reported that the victim (Celeste "Crystal" Perez-Velasques / age 28) exhibited fresh injuries and they had witnessed the suspect (Saul Preston Taylor / age 27) strike the victim on the back of the neck.  Their observations prompted the 911 call to the Calvert Control Center.   TFC J. B. Ferreira, primary investigator, further determined that the victim had responded to the neighbor's house to call a family member to get away from her abusive boyfriend.   Investigation determined that the victim and the suspect reside at 692 War Bonnet Trail, Lusby.  Personnel from both police departments approached this residence to investigate the domestic assault allegations.

      Investigators were met by Mr. Taylor who chose to communicate through a window in lieu of the front door.  Mr. Taylor was agitated and uncooperative.  He refused to allow TFC Ferreira to enter the residence.  TFC Ferreira attempted to ascertain the condition of the victim and the twin three-year-old children who were believed to be in the house.  Again, Mr. Taylor refused to communicate openly with the police, advised TFC Ferreira that he (Taylor) was videotaping him and ordered the police personnel to vacate his property.  At one time, the victim was seen in the house.  She made no effort to communicate with the police.  It was believed that she was directed not do do so.   Mr. Taylor again told the police to leave his property and to "get a warrant" if they wanted to talk to him.  Then the lights within the house went out.  Police personnel established inner and outer perimeters and maintained surveillance on the residence while other options/resources were considered.

     Special Operations Team (SOT) personnel from the Calvert County Sheriff  were offered by Sheriff "Mike" Evans.  The Maryland State Police's Special Tactical Assault Team Element (STATE) and their Hostage Recovery Team (HR.) personnel were also activated.  Sheriff Evans and Lieutenant Homer Rich responded to the scene to coordinate resources.   At approximately 11:40 PM, the victim (Ms. Perez-Velasques) was able to escape from the residence.  She did have several non life threatening injuries.  She was interviewed.  She confirmed that their two 3-year old twins were still in the house and that Mr. Taylor had no intention of surrendering to the police.

     Lieutenant Rich and Sheriff Evans opted to negotiate with the suspect while they waited for the special units to mobilize.  Lieutenant Rich established a rapport with the suspect and after approximately 35 minutes, Mr. Taylor agreed to surrender to the authorities.  At 1:08 AM (September 8, 2004) Mr. Taylor surrendered to the police and was taken into custody without incident.  He was charged with 2nd Degree Assault and incarcerated in the Calvert County Detention Center pending a District Court Commissioner's Hearing.  Additional charges may be sought after conferring with the State's Attorney's Office.   The victim did not require any professional medical treatment.  The 3-year old twins were transported to the Prince Frederick Barrack where they were cared for and released to a competent adult.