Two Men Charged in Fairland Shooting

A parking lot dispute in the Fairland neighborhood of Silver Spring resulted in shots fired toward at least two people around 2:54 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1, Montgomery County police said. No one was hurt in the shooting, according to police. 

Derek Bratcher, 32, and Lamaughan Solomon, 38, confronted each other, both flanked by other people, in the parking lot of the 13000 block of Brahms Terrace earlier on New Year's Day, police said.

The two groups returned to the parking lot later in the day and police said Soloman pushed a baton towards Bratcher. A third unknown suspect got out of Bratcher's car and displayed a handgun, police said. Solomon then also pulled out a hangun and began to fire the weapon at Bratcher and one of Bratcher's relatives, according to police. 

Officers said Bratcher then drove away from the scene, but his vehicle was stopped by police officers. Police said they found a shotgun in Bratcher's home during a search.

Bratcher, of the 13000 block of Brahms Terrace, was charged with a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault and reckless endangerment. 

Solomon, of the 18100 block of Chalet Drive in Germantown, was charged with two counts of attempted murder and reckless endangerment. 

Police said they believe the argument between the two groups had been ongoing since August. More suspects may be charged after further investigation. 

Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this shooting to contact the 3rd District Investigative Section at 301-565-5835. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or leave a Crime Solvers tip here.  Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest and/or indictment for this felony crime.