A Gaithersburg man has been arrested for allegedly attempting to shoot two victims in Welsh Park in Rockville on Saturday, October 26.
According to the Rockville City Police Department (RCPD), “On October 27, 2024, RCPD detectives located and recovered the black, Honda Civic in Frederick County. Through the investigation, detectives determined that Kenneth Oates, 38, of Gaithersburg was responsible for attempting to shoot two victims in Welsh Park. There were no injuries sustained in the shooting.
This morning Oates was arrested in Washington, D.C. on a warrant obtained by RCPD detectives. Oates is charged with two (2) counts of attempted first degree murder, two (2) counts of attempted second degree murder, two (2) counts of first degree assault, two (2) counts of second degree assault, two (2) counts of reckless endangerment, two (2) counts of violation of a protective order, the use of a firearm in a crime of violence and possessing a regulated firearm while prohibited. Oates is currently being held in Washington, D.C. pending an extradition hearing.
Although Oates has been arrested, the criminal investigation is remains active and ongoing. The RCPD thanks our partners at the Frederick City Police Department, Montgomery County Police Department’s ROPE Unit and the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department for their assistance and continued cooperation with this investigation.
“The urgency and tenacity of our detectives in this case was unparalleled. They spent countless hours working to quickly bring closure to the victims and residents of our community. This investigation was our top prior from the onset,” said Chief Victor Brito.”
