ARREST MADE FOR 1ST DEGREE ASSAULT WITH FIREARM
On 02/13/24 at approximately 2312 hours, Westminster Police Department (WPD) Patrol Bureau Officers were called to investigate an incident in the 200 block of E. Main Street involving “shots fired” from a handgun. The victim indicated that her ex-boyfriend, Matthew Skirka, had confronted her earlier in the day. During this altercation, Skirka grabbed and destroyed the victim’s cell phone.
The victim reported that Skirka came back to her apartment that evening and banged on the front door. She observed that Skirka was wearing a ski mask and had a handgun and she refused to open the door. Skirka kicked the front door open and confronted the victim. The victim was able to flee to a neighbor’s apartment and ultimately to her vehicle. As the victim attempted to drive away, Skirka pulled his vehicle next to her and began screaming at her. Skirka pointed the handgun at the victim. Skirka exited his vehicle and fired multiple shots from the handgun in another direction. Skirka threatened the victim before driving away.
WPD Detectives investigated the incident and obtained an arrest warrant for Skirka.
Deputies with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, along with Troopers from the Maryland State Police, responded to Skirka’s residence in the 3900 block of Sykesville Road. Initial attempts to have Skirka exit the residence were unsuccessful, and the Carroll County Crisis Response Team and Crisis Negotiation Team responded to the scene. Out of an abundance of caution and due to the fact that a firearm was involved in the initial incident, several roadways were shut down during the incident.
At approximately 0533 hours, Skirka exited the residence and was taken into custody without further incident.
Matthew D. Skirka (30 YOA) Charges Home Invasion Assault – First Degree Firearm Use in a Felony/Violent Crime Reckless Endangerment Malicious Destruction of Property
###
This arrest was related to the incident in Gamber this morning (February 14th) reported on by The Observer:
###
Here is a look at the area of the original incident in Westminster: 200 block of E. Main Street
Here is a look at the area of the incident in Gamber this morning: 3900 block of Sykesville Road
###
You can find the Carroll County Observer on these social media platforms:
- https://facebook.com/CarrollObserver
- https://tiktok.com/@carrollobserver
- https://twitter.com/CarrollObserver
- https://instagram.com/carrollobserver/
- https://youtube.com/@carrollobserver
- https://truthsocial.com/@carrollobserver
- https://rumble.com/c/c-4218154
[…] Westminster Police make arrest for 1st degree assault with firearm related to incident in Gamber on … […]