Assault Charges Filed Against Charles County Man in Violent Restaurant Parking Lot Incident

La Plata, Maryland – An incident of domestic violence at a local restaurant led to a violent assault on a woman, resulting in the suspect, Thomas Aaron Caparella-Monat, facing multiple felony charges.

On the evening of October 20, 2024, police responded to a call at Outback Steakhouse on Crain Highway, where they found a woman with severe injuries in the parking lot. Witnesses directed the officers towards the fleeing suspect, Caparella-Monat.

The victim recounted that the assault began after an altercation following a visit to Hunt’s Tavern in Pomfret, where Caparella-Monat, who was heavily intoxicated, demanded a drive to an undisclosed location. At the location, he stole a roadside memorial cross before directing the victim to the Outback Steakhouse.

Tensions escalated in the restaurant parking lot, with Caparella-Monat allegedly assaulting the woman, choking her, and causing significant damage to her phone and vehicle. He then threatened her before fleeing the scene.

The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment, and authorities identified her as at high risk of domestic violence. Caparella-Monat, who is on probation for a previous assault conviction, is wanted on charges including assault, robbery, theft, property destruction, and making threats. Despite efforts to locate him, he remains at large.

This incident underscores the importance of recognizing and reporting domestic violence, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. If you or someone you know is in danger, contact local law enforcement or the National Domestic Violence Hotline for support.

The investigation into the assault is ongoing, and the La Plata Police Department is actively seeking information to apprehend Caparella-Monat.