HAGERSTOWN – The Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office have charged a Hagerstown man in connection to an early morning assault and arson.
On Thursday, March 18, 2021, at approximately 3:45 AM, Deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 9600 block of Morning Walk Drive, Hagerstown, MD, for a reported assault in progress.
Deputies contacted the female victim at the residence of a neighbor. The victim was covered in blood due to severe lacerations to the top and left side of her head. Injuries to her hands and arms were also observed. The victim stated she was in bed and awoke to her husband beating her with a hammer. As the assault continued, she stated her spouse attempted to strangle her by wrapping his hands around her neck. An adult child heard the assault taking place and intervened, at which time the suspect attempted to assault her as well. The incident continued until another child within the residence contacted 9-1-1, and they escaped.
While Emergency Medical Services were treating the victim, smoke began to emit from the victim’s residence garage. Forced entry was made into the garage. The suspect, identified as Golden Makusha, was found unconscious, lying on top of an upside-down push mower. A bottle of lighter fluid was located on the garage floor next to him.
Two vehicles within the garage were actively burning when entry was made. Members of the Community Volunteer Fire Company of District 12, the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company, the Halfway Volunteer Fire Company and the Hagerstown Fire Department were on scene and extinguished the fire. Makusha was removed from the garage and initially transported to Meritus Medical Center but later flown to Bay View Burn Center for further treatment.
The victim was transported to Meritus Medical Center to treat her injuries; no one else was injured as a result of the incident.
Charges of Assault 1st Degree (two counts), Assault 2nd Degree (two counts) Reckless Endangerment (two counts), Arson 1st Degree (one count), and Arson 2nd Degree (two counts) have been obtained against Golden Makusha, 52, of Hagerstown.
