Woman accused of punching worker, pulling out gun over long wait line at Maryland store

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A Maryland woman got locked up after deputies said she punched a store employee in the face and pulled out a gun after complaining about waiting in line.

Tiffany Deshaunta Booze, 38, of Fort Washington, faces first-degree assault, five counts of weapons violations, and other related charges following the Sept. 2 incident at a store in Smallwood Village Center.

According to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, officers responded around 6 p.m. to the Waldorf store after getting reports of an assault involving a firearm.

Investigators said Booze became hostile with an employee over the wait. A second employee opened another register so Booze could make her purchase.

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Before leaving, Booze socked the first employee in the face, quickly leading to a brief fist fight, according to the sheriff’s office.

Booze left the store but was seen walking back toward it moments later and showing a gun with a blue-and-black frame, investigators said. She left the area before officers arrived.

Authorities identified Booze through a wallet and cellphone she had left on the counter. She returned to the area shortly after and was taken into custody.

A wallet and cellphone left on a store counter helped officers identify a woman accused of punching an employee and displaying a firearm. (Charles County Sheriff’s Office)

Police found her vehicle in the parking lot and saw a blue-and-black pistol inside. Officers secured a search warrant and recovered the gun, the sheriff’s office said.

Booze was released from the Charles County Detention Center on electronic monitoring Sept. 3, according to the department.