California, Maryland - On November 21, 2014 at 10:30 AM, Sheriff’s Office Patrol
units responded to a private residence in California, Maryland, for the report
of a robbery and attempted sexual assault. Deputies determined the victim received a knock on her door
and after opening the door was confronted by a black male whom she recognized
as being from the neighborhood. The
suspect asked to use the telephone and was allowed inside.
Once inside the
residence the suspect suddenly displayed a handgun and approached the victim, while ordering her to remove her clothing. The victim refused at which time the suspect grabbed the victim around
the neck and began strangling her until she lost consciousness. The suspect then took
the victim's cell phone and fled the area. When the victim regained consciousness she used a neighbor's phone to call 9 1 1. The victim was subsequently transported to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for medical
treatment of her injuries.
Detectives
from the Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and assumed the
investigation. The victim was able to positively identify the suspect through a photographic line-up prepared by
detectives. In short order, Detectives located the
suspect, identified as David Leon Thomas, age 34, of California, Maryland and
placed him under arrest.
Thomas was charged with Armed Robbery, First Degree Assault, and Attempted First Degree Rape. Thomas is currently a Maryland Registered Sex Offender out of Calvert County and was also charged with Failure to Notify Sex Offender Registry of Address Change. Thomas had provided information he was homeless and living in Calvert County which was determined to be inaccurate. Thomas was incarcerated in the St. Mary’s County Detention Center pending an
appearance before the District Court Commissioner.
David Leon Thomas
