A chaotic scene unfolded at Butler's Place in St. Mary's County on June 28, 2009, as law enforcement officers responded to a disturbance that escalated into a dangerous confrontation. Corporal Handy, who was on duty for crime prevention and crowd control, reported that upon his arrival, he was met with hostility from a crowd of approximately 100 people while attempting to arrest Sheila Juanita Somerville, who had multiple open warrants.

The situation quickly deteriorated as Handy described being surrounded by an angry mob, with individuals hurling racial slurs and threatening behavior. He called for backup, and several deputies arrived to assist. Despite their efforts, the crowd became increasingly aggressive, throwing rocks and bottles at the officers. In an attempt to regain control, Handy and Deputy Moritz deployed pepper spray, which had only marginal success in dispersing the crowd.

Witnesses reported that the altercation not only endangered the officers but also affected innocent patrons outside the bar, including a woman who was knocked to the ground during the chaos. The deputies noted a lack of security personnel from Butler's Place, with only the bar owner, Rufus Butler, present to witness the events unfold. Officers expressed concern that had there been adequate security, the situation might have been mitigated.

The incident raised significant questions about the safety protocols at Butler's Place, with multiple officers testifying that they consider the establishment a threat to community safety due to its history of violence and lack of crowd control measures. The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in managing large crowds at alcohol-serving establishments and the critical need for bar owners to implement effective security measures to ensure public safety.