Patrol officers locate and apprehend suspect in citizen armed robbery case: On April 23 at 6:37 p.m., patrol officers responded to the area of Lexington Drive and Lexington Place in Waldorf for the report of an armed robbery that had just occurred. A preliminary report showed the victim was walking on Lexington Drive when he was approached by a passenger car. The driver pointed a handgun at the victim and told him to get in the car. Once the victim was in the car, the suspect pointed the gun at the victim and demanded his name-brand shoes. The victim complied and was then told to exit the car. Through investigation, officers developed information and responded to the area of Daffodil Place in Waldorf where they located the suspect and the car he was driving. The suspect, Joshua Dylan Marable, age 18, of Indian Head, was arrested and the victim’s shoes were recovered. Marable was charged with armed robbery, first-degree assault, use of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and other related charges. He is currently being held at the Charles County Detention Center with no bond. Cpl. Bier is investigating.

Michael Joseph Brooks, 57, of Great Mills, MD, was arrested on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, following a traffic stop in Great Mills for two counts each of CDS: Possession Not Marijuana and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

While conducting proactive traffic enforcement, Deputy First Class Travis Wimberly initiated a traffic stop on a 2003 Dodge Caravan for operating a vehicle registered as a “historic motor vehicle” in violation of Maryland Traffic Law. After making contact with the driver, later identified as Brooks, DFC Wimberly saw suspected cocaine on the driver's side floorboard and initiated a probable cause search of the vehicle. Suspected crack cocaine and drug-related paraphernalia were located in the vehicle.

Brooks was arrested and transported to the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown to await a bond hearing.

Detectives investigating homicide on Ruston Place in Waldorf: On April 30 at 10:40 p.m., officers responded to the 4500 block of Ruston Place in Waldorf for the report of an injured man. When officers arrived, the man had been pronounced deceased by EMS who also responded. A preliminary investigation showed the victim, Kemo Key, 29, of Waldorf, was outside of his residence and had been shot. There were no reported calls about gunshots before Key was found. Detectives are following leads and ask anyone with information to call Detective Bringley at 301-609-6499. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. A cash reward is being offered for the tip that leads to the arrest of the suspect in this case.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Emergency Services (DES) urges community members to be prepared for the next Atlantic hurricane season, which starts on June 1, 2024, and goes through November 30, 2024. While severe weather can happen outside of this timeframe, it is the most active for hurricane and tropical storm activity.

In effort to support community preparedness, the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) will provide self-service sandbag pickup for residents on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the St. Andrews Landfill located at 44837 St. Andrews Church Road.

Residents are encouraged to stock up on sandbags now so that they are prepared before a storm strikes our area. Sandbags are not pre-filled and are limited to 10-25 bags per person, while supplies last. Community partners and DES will also be onsite distributing free hurricane preparedness supplies and information.

“We all know that storm systems can move and change rapidly,” said Commissioner President James R. Guy. “Distributing sandbags in advance is the best way to ensure our residents have what they need should a storm system threaten our area.”

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

• Make emergency kits: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/kit
  • Home Kit: include a flashlight, batteries, blankets, spare clothing, a battery-operated radio, hygiene supplies, medication, a first aid kit, food that is easy to open and prepare, and clean drinking water. 
  • Be sure to consider the needs of your family, including infants and children, the elderly, those with functional needs, and pets.
• Have a plan: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/plan
  • Know Your Zone and plan your evacuation route ahead of time. Identify a safe place to go, and a way to get there, if an evacuation is ordered by local officials.  Keep your gas tank full in case you need to evacuate quickly.
  • Discuss with loved ones how you will communicate before, during, and after a potential emergency or severe weather event.
• Sign up for local emergency notifications at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/CodeRed
• Hurricane preparedness basics:
  • Secure or bring indoors all outdoor toys, furniture, and items that could be moved by heavy winds; de-clutter drains and gutters; and consider hurricane shutters.
  • Check on your neighbors, friends, and family members, especially if they are elderly and/or have functional needs. 
  • Bring your pets indoors during severe weather.
  • Know where the main valves and switches are for gas, water, and electricity – and ensure someone you trust can operate them in case you need to shut them off.
  • Follow the instructions of local emergency management officials.

Knowing what to do before, during, and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference, when seconds count.

Learn more about and prepare for potential emergencies at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/em.

BALTIMORE, MD – The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation today announced extending the 2024 deadline to submit annual reports and personal property tax returns to June 17 as part of the Moore administration’s response to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

“Alongside the entire Moore administration, it is our top priority to support the thousands of workers and businesses impacted by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge,” said Interim Director Dan Phillips. “By extending this filing deadline, businesses already in good standing with the state will remain in good standing for an extra two months to be eligible for crucial relief programs.”

All domestic and foreign business entities must file an annual report to maintain their “good standing” status with the Department. Businesses in most jurisdictions that own, lease, or use personal property in Maryland may also need to file a personal property tax return with the annual report. The deadline extension announced today applies regardless of whether a business already requested an extension, and will allow businesses already in good standing to remain in good standing for an additional two months. Good standing status is often a requirement to be eligible for business relief programs.

The quickest and easiest way to submit these filings is through the Department’s award-winning Maryland Business Express site. When submitted online, annual reports are updated to a filed status on the business’ Maryland Business Express page the same day as online submission.

Earlier this month, Governor Wes Moore launched the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Response Website, which serves as a central hub for Marylanders in search of federal, state, and local resources and programs related to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The website includes information on relief programs for impacted workers and businesses, major traffic updates for commuters, and guidance on in-person resources available through Maryland Business Recovery Centers.

This annual report and personal property tax return extension was made pursuant to Executive Order 01.01.2024.12 issued by Governor Wes Moore on April 11, 2024, with the intent to support businesses in accessing economic and financial relief programs related to the bridge collapse.

A copy of the formal deadline extension notice can be found here.

On April 30 at 10: 40 a.m., three students became involved in a fight inside St. Charles High School. The fight drew numerous students who began instigating and challenging each other. Staff members intervened and attempted to gain control, but several students remained uncooperative. Additional officers were called to the school to assist. The school was placed on a hold status until the students were dispersed and the situation de-escalated. The students involved will face disciplinary sanctions from the Charles County Public Schools and charges are pending. Anyone with information is asked to contact PFC Watkins at 301-609-3282 ext. 0721.

On April 29, 2024, at approximately 6:26 p.m., deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau responded to the 3700 block of Chaneyville Road in Owings, for the report of a motorcycle crash. Upon arrival, units discovered a motorcycle just off the roadway and the operator of the motorcycle was deceased. The Crash Reconstruction Team was notified and responded to the scene.

Preliminary investigation revealed a 2004 Harley Davidson was traveling north on Chaneyville Road. The operator of the motorcycle was identified as Richard Evan Ganyon Jr., 52 of North Beach. The motorcycle left the roadway for unknown reasons and Ganyon lost control on the unpaved shoulder.

The investigation is ongoing. Deputy First Class Mike Lewis of the Crash Reconstruction Team is investigating the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact DFC Lewis at 410-535-2800 or via email Mike.Lewis.Jr@calvertcountymd.gov. Please reference case 24-34379.

The St. Mary’s County Strategic Plan for Overdose Response is now updated and available online. The 2023 update describes progress and new goals since the prior versions of the plan in 2019 and 2017. Many local partners - including the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD), law enforcement, health care providers, schools, EMS, and Fire Rescue - have been working together to prevent overdose fatalities and mitigate the harms of substance use.

The Strategic Plan for Overdose Response proposes new strategies to address overdoses and substance use and highlights the work already established in the county. The plan describes four major categories of effort related to substance use, including:

• Preventing new cases of misuse
• Improving early identification and intervention
• Expanding access to services
• Enhancing data collection, sharing, and analysis

The St. Mary’s County Strategic Plan for Overdose Response will continue to be updated as additional response strategies and resources are identified to help curb substance use behaviors at every stage of prevention and recovery.

SMCHD thanks the many partner organizations and community members who have been involved in developing and implementing the county’s Overdose Response Plan. The plan is posted on the SMCHD website at smchd.org/opioid.

About one-quarter of 1% of students who take the ACT each year earn a perfect score. In 2022 — the last year for which statistics are available — that was 3,376 students out of 1.34 million who earned a composite score of 36.

It’s not known how many students have taken the ACT in 2024 yet. But Will Alcorn, a senior at La Plata High School, is one of those who reached perfection — a 36. 

The ACT contains multiple-choice tests in four areas — English, mathematics, reading and science. It also has an optional writing test which is not included in the composite score. The test is a curriculum-based achievement exam that measures what students have learned in school. Students who earn a 36 composite score have likely mastered all of the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in first-year college courses in core subject areas, according to a news release from the ACT. “Earning a top score on the ACT is a remarkable achievement,” Janet Goodwin, ACT CEO, said.

Alcorn has taken the ACT four times. The first time he didn’t do well, probably because he was well hydrated and had to use the restroom. “It sounds silly,” he said. Alcorn advises test takers not to drink too much water the night before or morning of the test — “or else that problem arises,” he said.

Study habits

He pored over the same ACT study book his older brothers used. “I mainly studied some of the geometry material since I missed half of that class due to Covid and English punctuation and grammar because I was never quite good with grammar,” Alcorn said.

Alcorn, currently ranked No. 1 in La Plata’s Class of 2024, has committed to the University of Alabama where he plans to study accounting. At La Plata, he has participated in the Key Club, has been on the It’s Academic team each year since ninth grade and a member of the National Honor Society and the math team since he was a sophomore. He is currently the vice president of the Student Government Association (SGA) and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Alcorn has been active in Unified Sports taking part in Unified tennis earlier this year and is a member of the Unified track team.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,765 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary's County (CSMC) began their business meeting with an invocation and the pledge, followed by approval of the consent agenda. The CSMC then presented proclamations in recognition of Hurricane Preparedness Week and Small Business Month. They then presented a commendation for Sue Veith in celebration of her retirement after 30 years of service with St. Mary’s County Government. 

During County Administrator Time, the Commissioners took the following action:

• Reviewed future CSMC meeting agendas. 
• Approved the FY2025 Heroin Coordinator application for the Overdose & Drug Awareness Coordinator Grant Program from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office.
• Approved the FY2025 Sex Offender Compliance & Enforcement grant application from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office.
• Approved the FY2025 Gun Violence Reduction grant application from the St. Mary’s County State's Attorney's Office.
• Reviewed the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission’s FY2025 Capital Improvement Budget and FY2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan.
• Approved excise tax reimbursement for Habitat for Humanity for the construction of an affordable housing unit.
• Approved the funding application for Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant program to support the county's Energy Efficiency & Conservation Project.

Commissioners then received a legislative update from the Office of the County Attorney and Government Relations Consultant, and then wrapped with Commissioner Time.

The CSMC will reconvene this evening at 6:30 p.m. for a Public Hearing on the proposed revision to the Animal Ordinance. More information on public hearings and how to participate is available at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/PublicHearings. The next CSMC business meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 9 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room (1^st floor, Chesapeake Building, 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown). The CSMC will also hold a Budget Work session that day at 1:30 p.m. and a Public Forum at 6:30 p.m. CSMC decisions and related documents are available on the county government website in BoardDocs. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on Channel 95 or on-demand via www.YouTube.com/@StMarysCoGov. Visit stmaryscountymd.gov for more information.  

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office handled 1413 Calls for service, including 12 Emergency Petitions from April 22 through April 28, 2024.

Calls for service include requests for police assistance originating from the public as well as self-initiated events made by deputy sheriffs.

The Emergency Petition statute in Maryland enables the prompt evaluation of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis having the potential to harm themselves or others to be taken to an emergency facility to assess the need for immediate treatment.

ARRESTS:

4/23/24 – Dewayne Anthony Dickens, Jr., 19, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Alexander Tasciotti for Assault Second-Degree on a Division of Corrections Employee.

4/23/24 – Glenn Alan Townshend, 28, of Thurmont, MD, by Deputy James Morgan for Assault Second-Degree on a Division of Corrections Employee and Assault Second-Degree.

4/24/24 – Vivian Monesha-Andrea Anthes, 23, of Great Mills, MD, by Deputy Richard Stillwell for Assault First-Degree and Assault Second-Degree.

4/25/24 – Darius Antonio Varlack, 43, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Elijsha Munn for CDS: Possession Not Marijuana, CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia and Possession of Contraband While in Confinement.

4/27/24 – Kevin Bryan Wright, 39, of California, MD, by Deputy James Morgan for Assault Second-Degree on a Division of Corrections Employee and Assault Second-Degree.

DUIs:

4/17/24 – Jeremy Wayne Wigglesworth, 36, of Callaway, MD, by Deputy James Morgan for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving While Impaired by Alcohol and related charges.

SUMMONSES:

4/24/24 – Deodis Lee Clyburn, Jr., 29, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Joseph Senatore for Theft Scheme $100 - <$1500 and five counts of Theft Under $100.

4/24/24 – John Larry Dickerson, 34, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Joseph Senatore for CDS: Possession Not Cannabis and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

4/25/24 – Marilyn Elaine Christiani, 66, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy First Class Zachary Jerew for Theft Scheme $100 - <$1500 and Theft Under $100. NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

4/25/24 – Melissa Elizabeth Geimer, 58, of Hollywood, MD, by Deputy Presont Dixon for CDS: Possession Not Marijuana and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

4/26/24 – Mark Anthony Buckler, Jr., 41, of Leonardtown, MD, by Deputy Richard Stillwell for CDS: Possession Not Marijuana and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

WARRANTS:
4/26/24 – Andrew Lamont Short Sr., 54, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Devin Absher, for Sex Offense Fourth-Degree Sex Contact and Assault Second-Degree.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The St. Mary’s County Animal Adoption & Resource Center will reopen its doors to the public tomorrow, Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at noon and resume normal operations, after announcing a temporary pause to adoptions and non-emergency animal intakes earlier this month due to a respiratory outbreak in the shelter.

"We are deeply grateful for the compassion and assistance we have received from the community and from our organizational partners,” said Jennifer Utz, Director of the Department of Emergency Services. “Your support has been instrumental in helping us navigate this difficult situation and we are especially thankful to all those who stepped up to foster animals in need while we managed this outbreak.”

For hours of operation or additional information on the Animal Adoption & Resource Center, please visit: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/AnimalShelter or follow them on social media at: Facebook.com/smcanimalservices.

Shelters nationwide are experiencing increased animal infection rates. Many shelter dogs come in as strays with preexisting illnesses, malnourishment, cruelty experiences, or other maladies, which make them more susceptible to severe illness. This, in addition to the overall rise overall in the number of animal intakes (strays, surrenders, etc.) increases the risk of transmission and outbreak. While shelter overcrowding has become the norm nationwide, this can be changed with help from the community. St. Mary’s County Animal Services encourages pet owners to spay/neuter their animals, be responsible pet owners, and consider fostering an animal in need.

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) announces the temporary closure of drive-thru PCR COVID-19 testing services at the Health Hub on 21625 Great Mills Rd in Lexington Park from May 6 through May 10, 2024.

PCR COVID-19 testing services will still be available, by appointment only, through SMCHD’s School-Based Health Centers at:

• Margaret Brent Middle School SBHC: 29675 Point Lookout Rd, Mechanicsville
  • Call (240) 434-6060 for an appointment
• Spring Ridge Middle School SBHC: 19856 Three Notch Rd, Lexington Park
  • Call (240) 434-6059 for an appointment

For more information about COVID-19 testing, visit smchd.org/covid-19.

On April 27, 2024, at approximately 10:10 a.m., deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau responded to the 4600 block of Hardesty Road in Huntingtown, for the reports of shots fired.

Preliminary investigation revealed, that two cyclists participating in the charity ‘End Hunger’ Bike Ride were riding their bicycles on Hardesty Road when a pickup truck travelling behind them engaged in ‘road rage’. The driver of the pickup truck, identified as David Earl Bustin, 66 of Huntingtown, swerved around the victims in an attempt to run them off the road. The truck continued driving on Hardesty Road and pulled into a driveway where Bustin retrieved a shotgun and fired 3 shots toward the cyclists.

Contact was made with Bustin and he was placed into custody without further incident.

A residential search warrant was later executed where three spent shotgun shells and a Winchester Model 1300 shotgun were recovered.

Bustin was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with two counts of First-Degree Assault and two counts of Reckless Endangerment.

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) reminds motorists that operating unregistered vehicles, such as ATVs and other off-road vehicles, on highways is illegal and unsafe. Under the Maryland Safety Code, individuals operating unregistered vehicles on highways can face citations and possibly fines.

Unregistered vehicles operating on highways pose significant risks to motorists, pedestrians, and other road users. These vehicles often lack essential safety features and are not designed for highway use, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

Sergeant Dale Smith, supervisor of the SMCSO Traffic Safety Unit, underscores the commitment of the SMCSO to road safety: “We are unwavering in our commitment to ensuring the safety of our roads for everyone. As the weather gets warmer, we understand the desire to enjoy the outdoors, but it's crucial to prioritize safety and ride ATVs and other off-road vehicles only in designated areas.”

Watch video: Unregistered Vehicles on Highways Illegal and Unsafe.

Individuals can refer to the Maryland Department of Natural Services website for information on designated off-road vehicle trails in Maryland.

On April 27 at 9:05 p.m., officers were working secondary employment at a carnival in the parking lot at St. Charles Towne Center when a 15-year-old male approached and said he had been shot. The officers provided first aid until EMS responded and transported the teen to a hospital. It was later determined, at the hospital, that the victim had a stab wound and not a gunshot wound. A preliminary investigation revealed the victim was with a group of teens and was engaged in an argument with another large group of teens in the lower lot of the mall and that at some time during the dispute, the victim was stabbed. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Cooley at 301-609-6502. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. Charles County Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for the tip that leads to the arrest of the suspect.

Charles County Crime Solvers offering a cash reward in first-degree assault case: On April 27 at 10:23 p.m., officers responded to the area of Mall Circle for the report of a shooting. A preliminary investigation revealed witnesses observed a male brandish a firearm and chase another male through the parking lot. Witnesses said the suspect fired the gun at the victim and then both subjects fled the area. At this time, there are no reports of anyone seeking treatment for a gunshot wound and it is unclear what the motive was. Charles County Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for the tip that leads to an arrest in this case. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Sgt. Alpert at 301-609-3282 ext. 0459. The investigation is ongoing.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) will host a Public Forum on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the CSMC meeting room in the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown.

Public Forums allow residents to speak directly to the Commissioners on topics of their choosing. Residents may offer appreciation, questions, or suggestions in a mutually respectful format. Those wishing to speak at the forum will receive up to three minutes to address the Commissioners. In lieu of in-person attendance, residents may also provide their feedback to the CSMC via:

• Email to: csmc@stmarysmd.com
• Mail to: Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, PO Box 653, Leonardtown, MD, 20650

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County are committed to ensuring equal access and participation for all residents in public forums. Arrangements to accommodate individuals with disabilities, special needs, or those requiring language support services can be made upon request. If you need accommodation to participate in a CSMC Public Forum, please contact the Public Information Office at (301) 475-4200 ext.1340 at least 3 days in advance of the scheduled forum to arrange. CSMC Public Forums are televised live on St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) TV Channel 95 and streamed live online at: YouTube.com/@StMarysCoGov.

Please note: Deadline to submit public comments on the FY2025 Budget Public Hearing topics will be accepted through April 30, 2024. Budget documents, how to provide your feedback, recordings of budget work sessions and the public hearing, and an online community feedback forum are available at: http://bit.ly/SMCGFY25Budget.

On April 27 at 9:55 p.m., patrol officers responded to Mall Circle Drive for the report of an armed robbery. A preliminary investigation showed the victim was walking in the parking lot when he was approached by a group of males who brandished a firearm and demanded the victim’s jacket and shoes. The victim complied. As officers were talking with the victim, the victim observed one of the suspects, who was wearing his jacket, walking nearby. The suspect fled but officers apprehended him without further incident. The other suspects fled. The suspect, age 14, was charged on a Juvenile Offense Report with armed robbery and other related charges. Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to contact PFC T. Edwards at 301-609-3282 ext. 0730. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. Charles County Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for the tip that leads to the arrest of the other suspects.

The County Administrator wishes to remind residents of changes to operating schedules for May: 

Saturday, May 4

• Lackey High School Indoor Pool is closed.

Friday, May 10

• The Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center is Closed to the Public.

Tuesday, May 14

• The Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center and North Point Pool are closed.

Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26

• All Charles County Pools are closed.

Wednesday, May 22

• The Charles County Landfill and Recycling Center, the Piney Church Road Mulch Facility, and the Pisgah Recycling Center will close at 10:30 am on Wednesday, May 22.
• The Gilbert Run and Breeze Farm Recycling Centers will be closed on Wednesday, May 22.

Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day)

• All Charles County Government offices and the Charles County Animal Care Center in Hughesville will be closed.

• The Charles County Landfill and Recycling Center, Pisgah, Gilbert Run, Breeze Farm Recycling Centers, and the Piney Church Road Mulch Facility are closed.

• Curbside recycling and yard waste collection will be delayed one day for the entire week, Tuesday, May 28 through Saturday, June 1.
• VanGO services will not be operating.
• The Nanjemoy Community Center, senior centers, and all school-based community centers are closed.
• Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center will be closed. 

• Indoor pools: Lackey, North Point, and Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center will be open from noon – 5 p.m.
• Port Tobacco Recreation Center and Elite Gymnastics and Recreation Center will be open for scheduled activities.
• The Crain Memorial Welcome Center is closed.
• Port Tobacco Village is closed.

Operating status for other County affiliated agencies:

• Charles County Parks and Tourism Facilities: www.CharlesCountyParks.com/about-us/operating-status
• Charles County Public Library: www.ccplonline.org

• Charles County Health Department: www.CharlesCountyHealth.org
• Charles County Public Schools: www.ccboe.com

For questions about County Government holiday closures, contact the Public Information Office at 301-885-2779 or PressRoom@CharlesCountyMD.gov.  Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.

Burglary: 24-32034
On April 21, 2024, Master Deputy Wood responded to the 200 block of Hoile Lane in Huntingtown, for the report of a burglary. The complainant advised an unknown white male came to the rear of the residence and attempted to gain entry to the garage. The suspect was observed on video surveillance multiple times on April 20, 2024, looking around the residence. The suspect was identified as Mark Emory Cress, 41 of Huntingtown. Cress was located and placed under arrest for burglary. A search incident to arrest revealed four Suboxone films on his person without a prescription. Cress was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with Burglary-4th Degree and CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis.

Property Destruction: 24-31940
On April 20, 2024, Cpl. Ward responded to the Calverton School’s baseball field, located at 300 Calverton School Road in Huntingtown, for the report of property destruction. Contact was made with the complainant who advised a rear window to the victim’s vehicle was broken out. An empty purse was stolen. The estimated value of damaged property is $1,000.00.

Theft: 24-31863
On April 20, 2024, Deputy Fleenor responded to the intersection of Solomons Island Road and HG Trueman Road in Lusby, for the report of a theft. Contact was made with the complainant who advised that a gray 2000 aluminum Bass Tracker jet boat attached to a black trailer with VA registration had been stolen. The victim left the boat and trailer on the side of the road after experiencing mechanical problems and when the victim returned the following morning, the boat and trailer were missing. The estimated value of stolen property is $16,000.00.

Theft: 24-31470
On April 18, 2024, Deputy Hill responded to the Safeway located at 80 W. Dares Beach Road in Prince Frederick, for report of a theft. Investigation revealed Tiara Shanta Boyd, 33 of Prince Frederick, entered the store on a motorized scooter and placed numerous items into the cart passing all points of sale without making payment. The total value of stolen property was $88.16. Boyd was detained and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where she was charged with Theft: Less than $100.

Theft: 24-31430
On April 18, 2024, at 4:38 p.m., DFC Huy responded to the Sunderland Park and Ride located at 6425 N Solomons Island Road in Sunderland, for the report of a theft from a vehicle. Investigation revealed sometime between 4:20 a.m. – 6 a.m., an unknown suspect(s) removed the victim's tires and rims from a grey 2023 Toyota Camry. The rims are described as silver in color with the Toyota logo in the center. The tires had ‘KINERGY’ printed on the side of them. Due to the vehicle being left lying on the ground, the vehicle’s undercarriage was damaged. The estimated value of stolen property is $1,500.00. The estimated value of damaged property is $1,000.00 .

Theft: 24-31379
On April 18, 2024, Deputy Baxter responded to Cove Point Park and Ride located at 95 Cove Point Road in Lusby, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised a rear Maryland registration plate and a New York Giants tag bracket were stolen from the victim’s vehicle. The estimated value of stolen property is $135.00.

Theft: 24-31949
On April 20, 2024, Deputy Morrison responded to the Sheriff’s Office located at 30 Church Street in Prince Frederick, for a theft report. The complainant advised her son’s Ludwig brand snare drum had been stolen from Windy Hill Middle School. The estimated value of stolen property is $400.00.

Weapon Violation: 24-30675
On April 15, 2024, Deputy T. Bowen initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for an equipment violation on E Chesapeake Beach Road and Limerick Lane in Owings. Contact was made with the driver, Christopher Alexander Peasant, 31 of Washington D.C., who advised a handgun was in the vehicle. Dep. Bowen observed a large bowie knife in plain view. A vehicle search revealed a Glock 17 and a loaded magazine. Peasant was placed into custody and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Handgun in a Vehicle, Handgun on Person, and Concealing a Dangerous Weapon.

Weapons Violation: 24-31321
On April 18, 2024, DFC Lewis responded to the area of S. Solomons Island and Sherry Lane in Prince Frederick, to assist Dep. Murphy with a traffic stop. Contact was made with the occupants of the vehicle who made an unsafe lane change and possessed registration plates that did not belong on the vehicle. The driver, Antoine Morgan Thomas, 40 of Silver Spring, advised DFC Lewis a knife was inside the vehicle. A search revealed a large fixed-blade knife. Thomas was placed into custody and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with
Concealing a Dangerous Weapon.

Weapons Violation: 24-31739
On April 19, 2024, Deputy Plant responded to a traffic complaint in the area of N. Solomons Island Road and White Sands Drive in Lusby. The complainant advised two vehicles were driving recklessly, weaving in and out of traffic, and cutting off other vehicles on the roadway. Additional calls were received that the suspect vehicle was break-checking other vehicles and waving a gun out the window as the vehicle traveled northbound on Rt. 4. Contact was made with the driver, Braeden Sklyer Trigg, 19 of Lusby, who advised he brandished a knife during the incident. A search of Triggs's vehicle revealed two Bowie-style knives in sheaths, a heatsealed bag containing 17.1 ounces of Cannabis, a bag containing an additional 12 grams of Cannabis, a glass bong, and a plastic straw with a white powdery residue. Trigg was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with Second-Degree Assault (x2), Concealing a Dangerous Weapon, and CDS: Possession of Cannabis Over Civil Use.