Mercedes SUV owned by ‘armed and dangerous’ fugitive, 49, is found by cops as they continue to hunt him for murder of Maryland judge who’d just granted his ex-wife custody of their children

A Mercedes SUV owned by a father suspected of fatally shooting a Maryland judge in his driveway has been found by police as they continue to search for him.

Pedro Argote, 49, allegedly shot Judge Andrew Wilkinson, 52, in the driveway of his Western Maryland home Thursday evening around 8 p.m.

Described as armed and dangerous, he is the subject of a large-scale manhunt with police offering a $10,000 reward for anyone with information that could lead to the father-of-four’s arrest.

Authorities revealed Saturday that they have found a silver Mercedes driven by Argote. He is suspected of shooting Wilkinson after he lost custody of his children and was banished from the family home by the judge presiding over his case.

The fugitive is said to have been “controllable toward his estranged wife and violent toward his daughter.”

Wilkinson was shot multiple times in his driveway and his wife and son were in the family home at the time.

He was rushed to Meritus Medical Center but later succumbed to his injuries.

Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert said, “This was a targeted attack on Judge Wilkinson” after the judge denied Argote visitation rights.

The US Marshals Service continues to search for the suspect and there was a significant police presence in the Williamsport, Maryland area on Saturday.

Authorities asked the public to remain vigilant and said Argote legally owns a gun.

He is said to have ties to Brooklyn and Long Island in New York, Tampa and Clearwater in Florida; Columbus, Indiana and cities in North Carolina.

Floral tributes have been paid to the respected judge since his murder, with his courthouse flag flying at half-mast today.

In a statement after the shooting, the Maryland Judiciary said Wilkinson’s death was a “tragic loss.”

“As we mourn his loss, we ask that you keep the Wilkinson family in your prayers and respect their privacy,” the statement said.

“The Maryland Judiciary is actively engaged with law enforcement to assist in resolving this matter and ensuring the safety of our judges, staff and visitors, which remains our top priority.”

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin offered his condolences to the family, friends and everyone involved in his public service.

“No one should have to endure the pain of having a loved one taken away in such a way,” Cardin continued in a statement.

“There is no excuse for this kind of violence, especially against an officer of the court. The rule of law is what makes our society function. It may not be perfect, but individuals like Judge Wilkinson have worked every day to make it better and more just.

“His passion was clearly for serving the local community and therefore Judge Wilkinson will be sorely missed.”

Maryland Governor Wes Moore said he was “shocked, heartbroken and sickened” by the killing.

“Judge Wilkinson spent his career defending justice. “We must now ensure that the perpetrator of this vile act is brought to justice and that Judge Wilkinson’s family receives the support they need and deserve,” he added.

Maryland Congressman David Trone said he was “shocked and heartbroken” by the killing, adding, “This violence is horrific to see in our community. Our thoughts are with his family during this unimaginable tragedy and with the police investigating this crime.”

It has emerged that the fugitive was the subject of a petition for a domestic violence protective order in June 2022, which was temporarily granted, court documents allege.

Argote’s wife claimed she was forced to intervene in a terrifying incident when he became violent towards their daughter in October 2020.

“I intervened and told him to come to her, he had to hit me or kill me,” she wrote in the petition, the Daily Record reported.

She also alleged financial abuse, claiming he restricted her movement by keeping the family car keys in his possession at all times.

“I can’t leave the house without his knowledge,” she wrote, “I need help, physical violence is not the only form of violence.”

She added that she called a domestic violence shelter in 2012 but did not get enough help to leave.

She also explained how she managed to save $2,800 on the couple’s food truck business, only to have it confiscated by Argote.

“I have been trying to get out of this relationship for a long time, but for fear that he will try to get custody of the children,” she said in the petition.

A temporary protective order was issued, but Argote’s wife decided to deny her request when the couple came to an arrangement to live separately.

Prior to the petition, the couple lived on different floors of the family home, an arrangement that Wilkinson said was unusual, but which Argote reportedly suggested to try to save money while the divorce was pending.

Sheriff Albert confirmed that police had visited Argote’s home twice in the past two years for “verbal domestic violence,” but that he had no prior criminal record in Washington County.

A poster issued by the U.S. Marshals states that agents believe Argote is “armed and dangerous.”

In a terrifying Facebook review, Argote was spotted praising a gun shop for his “fun and dynamic” training and making him “confident” with a firearm.

Argote was still at large on Saturday afternoon. He is described as 6 feet tall, 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, and may be driving a silver 2009 Mercedes GL450, with Maryland license plates 4EH0408.

In his judgment on Thursday, Wilkinson ruled that Argote’s wife will have ‘the exclusive use and possession of the family home’, and that he should not enter the property.

Argote was also ordered to pay child support of $1,120 per month for their four children.

The attorney representing Argote’s children in the divorce case described Wilkinson as a “wonderful man, father, husband and judge.”

“I am blessed to have known him and worked with him,” said attorney Ashley Wilburn. “He’s a hero.”

The Maryland Judiciary said it mourned Wilkinson’s death and was working to ensure the safety of judges, staff and visitors.

State troopers were deployed to protect Washington County judges, a police spokesman said.

But Sheriff Albert said, “We do not feel there is any threat to the other judges in the county or state at this time.”

Wilkinson, who was sworn in as a circuit court judge in 2020, said he became a judge to serve the community.