On June 25, 2017 at approximately 6:53 pm, Winchester Police Department (WPD) officers responded to the 1100 block of Franklin Street for reports of a subject swinging an ax at children. When officers arrived, the subject was no longer outside but witnesses claim he was chasing several children with the ax yelling “off with your head.” Officers were then contacted by the mother of one of the children who advised that her daughter was struck in the head by the subject’s fist which was holding onto the ax while swinging it. The child sustained a minor injury but was not hit with the ax.
The suspect was identified as Gregory G. Sherman of the 1100 block of Franklin Street. Officers attempted to contact Sherman but he would not come out of the residence. The WPD SWAT Team was called in and assisted with apprehending Sherman. He was taken into custody and delivered to the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center. Sherman was charged with Attempted Malicious Wounding and Disorderly Conduct. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office and Winchester Fire and Rescue Department assisted with the incident.