In a dramatic turn of events, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office has intensified the search for Andrew Phillip Nelson, a 29-year-old man from Hollywood, accused of tampering with his GPS monitoring device while awaiting trial on assault charges.

How it Unfolded

It was April 21, 2025, when deputies rushed to the 43000 block of Saint Johns Road in Hollywood. They responded to a tampering alert from Nelson’s GPS monitor. According to witnesses, Nelson was seen using bolt cutters to free himself from the device, setting off a county-wide search.

Nelson’s legal challenges began on March 21, 2025, during a late-night altercation at his residence on Sandy Bottom Road. According to reports, Nelson, appearing intoxicated and covered in blood, allegedly forced his way into a locked bedroom armed with a knife. His actions led to charges of first-degree assault (a felony) and second-degree assault (a misdemeanor).

Initially, Nelson was detained without bond following the violent incident. However, Judge Karen Christy Holt Chesser later granted his release under supervision, a decision that now seems ill-fated. Nelson’s preliminary hearing was scheduled for April 15, 2025, but was dismissed when he failed to appear, leading to a bench warrant issued on April 29, 2025.

Witness Accounts

Witnesses from the night of his arrest recounted a chaotic scene. Nelson reportedly became aggressive, striking out at several individuals, leading some to fear for their safety. Despite this, a female witness chose not to pursue police action against him.

Current Search Efforts

As of May 14, law enforcement continues to seek any leads on Nelson’s location. The public is urged to contact Detective Joseph Bowling at Southern Maryland News Net if they have any information regarding Nelson’s whereabouts. The situation underscores the challenges law enforcement faces with monitoring and pre-trial release decisions.

Community’s Role

The community’s vigilance is crucial as this search unfolds. Authorities are calling on residents to report any suspicious activity and support ongoing efforts to bring Nelson to justice. As stated in Southern Maryland News Net, swift action and community cooperation are paramount to ensuring public safety.

This case highlights the delicate balance between judicial discretion and community security, raising essential questions about pre-trial monitoring processes and future legal reforms.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.