On Friday, March 14, 2014 at 8:00 a.m., the Anne Arundel County Police Department’s Homeland Security and Intelligence Section received information regarding a possible threat to Anne Arundel Councilman Dick Ladd, Maryland State House Speaker Michael Bush and Maryland State Senator Mike Miller, Jr.
An investigation was immediately launched by Homeland Security & Intelligence Unit. The detectives’ investigation revealed an individual, who was later identified as Paul David Grimm, made verbal threats of violence towards the above elected officials.
The suspect, who resides in the 100 block of Tarks Lane, Severna Park, MD, was upset over a storm water management pond in his community. He expressed discontent to an Anne Arundel County Public Works contractor and Councilman Dick Ladd. Councilman Ladd was also contacted by an Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works contractor informing him about Grimm expressing discontent over the work being done.
On March 12, 2014, Councilman Ladd received a call from the Department of Public Works complaining that Paul Grimm was being very verbally abusive about work being done at the storm drain. Councilman Ladd advised that Paul Grimm was upset over the county digging the storm drain on his street and disagreed with the project.
On the same date, Councilman Ladd and a witness proceeded to the area of the 100 block of Tarks Lane to speak to Mr. Grimm and to look at the work being done. When contact was made with Paul Grimm, he became agitated about the water drain project. While Councilman Ladd was speaking to Mr. Grimm’s daughter, Mr. Grimm pointed his finger at Councilman Ladd and made reference to “taking him out” and the fact that he would have a weapon. Mr. Grimm then referenced Mike Miller and Mike Busch advising that he would “take them out” too. He continued by advising “it would be a fantasy of his to see Mike Miller and Mike Busch” knock on his door because “they would come out in body bags.”
Fearing for their safety, Councilman Ladd and the witness departed the area without escalating the situation.
Detectives corroborated this information by conducting witness interviews as well as examining additional evidence obtained during the investigation. Homeland Security & Intelligence Section detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Grimm based on their investigation. Detectives arrested Paul David Grimm without incident at his residence. He was transported to the Eastern District where he was interviewed and processed for 3 counts of Threats to State Official.
“We take criminal threats against our elected officials very seriously,” said Anne Arundel County Police Chief Kevin Davis. “We will act expeditiously when someone detracts from the capacity of the people’s representatives to safely represent our communities.”
Suspect: Paul David Grimm, 58 of 100 Block of Tarks Lane, Severna Park, MD 21146
Charges: (3) Counts Threat/State Official to Injure
Source: AACoPD
