Homicide Suspect Who Left Hospital Still On Loose

2nd Man Also Sought in Connection With Sunday Shootout

Montgomery County police continued to search Thursday for two men suspected in a deadly Sunday morning shootout, including one man who left a hospital with a gunshot wound before police could arrest him.

The gunfire left 63-year-old Clarence Rankine dead outside his home in Silver Spring. He had hosted an early morning gathering that led to an argument between him and other men, according to police.

It is unclear how the wounded suspect, Winston D. Dillon, 39, left Washington Hospital Center. Paula Faria, a hospital spokeswoman, said Dillon signed himself out Wednesday against medical advice. Montgomery police said in a statement that he left without signing himself out.

Dillon had not been served with a warrant and was not under arrest when he left the hospital, authorities said.

Dillon could still be wearing a large leg brace. "It's a significant injury. To get around without a brace will be difficult," said Lt. Paul Starks, a police spokesman.

Police are also looking for Vincent L. Minto, 39, and have obtained warrants charging both men with first-degree murder.

Officers were called to Rankine's home, in the 900 block of University Boulevard, about 5 a.m. Sunday. They found Rankine dead near a side door.

A short time later, police learned that two men were being treated at a nearby hospital for gunshot wounds. One man was Dillon. Police declined to identify the second man.

Detectives were investigating Dillon, but before they had probable cause to arrest him, he left the hospital, police said.

Police described Dillon as a black man, 6 feet 2 inches tall with a slim build who might need "a walker or crutches to walk." Police described Minto as a black man, 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 175 pounds.

Police ask anyone with information about the two men or the shooting to call 240-773-5070 or 301-279-8000. Callers may remain anonymous.