Drug Dealer Tried to Shoot Officers With Homemade Gun: Police

GAITHERSBURG, MD — An accused drug trafficker is charged with attempted murder after Montgomery County Police say he tried to shoot arresting officers with a homemade gun.

Jonathan Hemming, 52, of the 100 block of Spring Street in Gaithersburg, has been charged with attempted murder, firearm-related offenses, and drug offenses, police say.

Detectives had Hemming under surveillance on May 18 because he was wanted on drug-related charges. When police saw Hemming enter a vehicle, they approached him and told Hemming he was under arrest.

Police say Hemming resisted arrest, became combative with the officers, and grabbed a homemade handgun in the vehicle's center compartment. A Taser was used on Hemming after he pointed the gun at detectives; authorities say the gun was capable of firing shotgun rounds.

During his arrest, officers reportedly found a second homemade gun in Hemming's pants pocket, as well as shotgun shells and ammunition for a handgun.

Hemming was charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of attempted second-degree murder, assault charges, firearms-related charges, and drug-related charges.

He is currently being held without bond.

»Photo of Jonathan Hemming of Gaithersburg, courtesy of Montgomery County Police