A 68-year-old man has been indicted on 71 charges in connection with an alleged shooting and carjacking spree that spanned multiple Maryland communities, authorities said. According to court records reviewed by Law&Crime, Larry James Simpson is accused of randomly targeting victims across Greenbelt, College Park, and Riverdale on May 15.
Background
The incident allegedly began around 2:30 p.m. when Simpson shot at a 64-year-old man on Pierce Avenue in College Park, Prince George's County, authorities claim. After the initial shooting, the defendant crashed a stolen vehicle before exiting and firing his weapon again, according to Washington D.C. Fox affiliate WTTG. The alleged rampage continued as Simpson reportedly carried an assault-style rifle while shooting at a woman and stealing her car, law enforcement officials stated.
An off-duty police officer witnessed the carjacking and followed the suspect, leading to a pursuit during which Simpson allegedly fired at the officer, prosecutors said. When the defendant reached Riverdale, he flipped the stolen vehicle while speeding and jumped out while continuing to fire his weapon, authorities explained. At that point, he reportedly ran out of ammunition.
Simpson then approached a third vehicle and stole it, according to prosecutors cited by regional NBC affiliate WRC. However, the alleged crime spree ended when Simpson discovered the car had a manual transmission and he did not know how to operate the clutch, authorities said. At least two people were injured during the incident—one from a bullet wound and another from shattered glass.
The Charges
Simpson was indicted on Thursday on 71 charges including multiple counts of attempted murder, first-degree assault, and armed carjacking, court records show. Authorities have not disclosed a suspected motive for the alleged crime spree.
The case has drawn attention due to Simpson's criminal history. According to officials, Simpson was convicted of first-degree murder in 1987 and released into a special program in 2022. The circumstances surrounding his release are expected to be examined as the case proceeds.
Key Takeaways
- Larry James Simpson, 68, indicted on 71 charges including attempted murder, first-degree assault, and armed carjacking
- Allegedly targeted 17 victims across Greenbelt, College Park, and Riverdale in Prince George's County, Maryland on May 15
- At least two people injured during the incident—one from a bullet wound and another from shattered glass
- Crime spree allegedly halted when Simpson could not operate the manual transmission of his final stolen vehicle
- Defendant previously convicted of first-degree murder in 1987; released into special program in 2022
What's Next
Simpson is due to appear in court on July 10. The case remains under investigation by Prince George's County authorities, and additional details may emerge as the legal proceedings develop.