Police have identified suspects in separate stabbing and shooting incidents at a shopping center in Laurel that left five people wounded.
The Laurel Police Department has charged Shon Juan Cook Jr., 26, of Howard County, in connection with the stabbing of two people during an incident Tuesday night near Amigos Mexican Grill at the Centre at Laurel.
Law enforcement charged Cook Jr., who has not been arrested, with attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault and related charges. Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating him.
Authorities also released photos of a man they identified as a suspect in the shooting of three people in the same area Tuesday night and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him.
During a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Laurel Police Chief Russell Hamill said the incidents were unrelated, adding that the stabbing involving Cook Jr. is believed to be domestic-related. Both incidents happened during a Cinco de Mayo party at Amigos Mexican Grill.
“A party under two [outdoor] tents there became quite large,” he said. “[Police] became concerned with the impact the party was having on the greater area” and decided to shut the event down.
Hamill said police ordered a controlled dispersal, but fights broke out shortly afterward.
“This ultimately led to three victims suffering from gunshot wounds from what we believe is a single shooter,” he said.
Victims of the shooting and stabbing were taken to area hospitals and are recovering from their wounds, according to Hamill.
Anyone who witnessed either incident or has information is urged to contact police at 301-498-0092 or submit tips anonymously to LPDtips@laurel.md.us.