Incident Briefs 5-24-15 to 5-29-15

5-26-15 Commercial Burglary - Unknown suspect(s) entered Nustar located in the 17000 block of Piney Point Road in Piney Point, and stole property. CASE #30589-15

5-28-15 Burglary to Motor Vehicle - Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into lock boxes on the back of a work truck located on Dukesville Drive in Charlotte Hall, property was stolen. CASE #31161-15

5-28-15 Burglary to Motor Vehicle - Unknown suspect(s) entered an unsecured vehicle on Liberty Street in Lexington Park, and stole property. CASE #30975-15

5-29-15 Burglary - Unknown suspect(s) entered a residence on John Cameron Way and stole property. CASE #31214-15

5-28 -15 Robbery - at 10:00 PM, an unidentified black male suspect entered Lexington Village Wine and Spirits located on Lexington Village Way in Lexington Park, displayed a handgun, and demanded money from the employee. The suspect then fled on foot. Numerous deputies and a K9 unit responded and conducted a search with negative results for the suspect. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division responded and assumed the investigation. CASE #31244-15

Help Deputy Beyer ID Theft Suspect - Mckays - IDENTIFIED

UPDATE 6-11-15: The suspect pictured below HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED. 

Leonardtown, Maryland - The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public's help in identifying the suspect pictured below. 

Thursday, May 21, 2015, at 7:20 PM, the suspect removed 2 bottles of liquid-gel Robitussin capsules from the shelf at the McKay’s Foodland store located on Merchants Lane. The suspect then walked to a different part of the store, opened the bottles, and hid the capsules in his clothing. He discarded the packaging then walked out of the store without paying. CASE #29694-15

 Anyone with information regarding the identity of this suspect or about this crime in general is asked to call CRIME SOLVERS at 301.475.3333, or text a tip to "TIP239" plus your message to '"CRIMES" (274637). 

You may also contact Deputy Beyer at 301.475.4200 X 9004. 

St. Mary’s County CRIME SOLVERS offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St. Mary's County that leads to an 

arrest or indictment.

Calls to CRIME SOLVERS are NOT RECORDED. 

CALLERS CAN REMAIN ANONYMOUS.

UPDATE 6-1-15: booking photo - Suspect uses stolen cell phone to call 911

Clements, Maryland - The night of May 25th, a suspect(s) entered a Ford F-450 parked at a residence on Dorothy Mae Court and a stole a Kyocera brand cell phone. The victim reported the crime to the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office after discovering the theft. 

A second victim reported her GMC Acadia was entered, the same night, and credit cards were stolen from her purse, which had been left in her vehicle on Dorothy Mae Court. 

On May 26th, while investigating both cases, DFC Kerby contacted with the cellular service provider for the stolen cell phone. He learned the phone was used on May 26th, at 1:13 AM, to call 911. DFC Kerby then checked with the Emergency Communications Center and learned a subject identified as Joshua Coleman reported he had been hit by a car in the 23000 block of Budds Creek Road during this particular call. Deputies and Emergency Medical Services responded to Coleman and he was transported to MedStar St. Mary's Hospital (MSMH) for treatment of non life-threatening injuries. 

Corporal Smolarsky responded to MSMH and made contact with Joshua Coleman. Stolen property from both thefts was subsequently recovered, including the stolen cell phone used to call 911.  

On May 26th, DFC Kerby obtained an arrest warrant for Joshua Lee Coleman, age 30, of Mechanicsville, charging him with 2 COUNTS Rogue and Vagabond, Theft Under $1,000, and Theft Under $100. The warrant was served later the same day by DFC Kerby.

Joshua Coleman

*No booking photo for Coleman is available at this time. A photo will be posted when accessible.

      

UPDATE 6-1-15: booking photos added - Arrests 5-27-15

First Degree Assault – On May 9, 2015, at 8:30 PM, Deputy Bare responded to a residence on Clarks Rest Road in Leonardtown, for a reported domestic assault. The victim alleged suspect Patrick Roy Thompson, age 30, of Leonardtown, grabbed the victim by the arm; shoved and punched the victim in the face during an argument. Thompson then went to the garage and retrieved a machete. When the victim entered the doorway of the garage, Thompson swung the machete at the victim but missed. The victim fled upstairs to a bathroom and locked the door. Thompson was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 1^st and 2^nd Degree Assault. CASE #26930-15

Patrick Thompson

First Degree Assault – On May 9, 2015, Deputy Jason Smith responded to Sell Drive in Lexington Park, for a reported stabbing. The male victim was on the ground with a stab wound in the upper groin area and a laceration on his wrist. The victim was initially transported to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment. The investigation revealed suspect William Tommy Hall, age 46, of Lexington Park, and the victim had been at a party. When they returned home, intoxicated, they began to argue. Hall allegedly stabbed the victim during the argument. Hall was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 1^st and 2^nd Degree Assault. CASE #26933-15

William Hall

Assault & Violation Peace Order – On May 16, 2015, at 12:30 PM, Deputy Roszell responded to a residence in the 45000 block of Fox Chase Drive in Lexington Park, for a reported domestic assault. The victim alleged suspect Ryan Steven Michael, age 25, of Lexington Park, came to the residence intoxicated and an argument ensued. Michael pushed the victim causing an injury to the victim’s foot. Michael then grabbed the victim around the throat. Deputy Roszell observed injuries on the victim consistent with what had allegedly occurred. Michael was placed under arrest. There was also an active peace order with Michael as the respondent and another occupant of the home was the petitioner. The peace order prohibits Michael from entering the residence. Michael was charged with 2^nd Degree Assault and Violation Peace Order. CASE #28285-15

Ryan Michael 

First Degree Assault – On May 17, 2015, Deputy McCuen responded to a residence on Stockett Run Lane in Mechanicsville. The alleged suspect Andrew Lee Seyler, age 26, of Mechanicsville, and the victim engaged in an argument over Seyler being evicted from the home. During the argument, the victim and Seyler began pushing each other. Seyler then retrieved a knife from his pants pocket, opened the blade and pointed it at the victim. Seyler threw the knife down after another person intervened. Seyler was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 1^st Degree Assault. CASE #28520-15

Andrew Seyler

Burglary – On May 19, 2015, Deputy Siciliano responded to a residence on Winding Way in Lexington Park, after a caller to 91 1 reported a burglary in progress. The caller provided a description of the suspect. While responding, Deputy Muschette observed a suspect matching the description nearby at the Great Mills pool. Deputy Muschette stopped and detained the suspect identified as James Brian Thompson, JR., age 19, of Great Mills. The investigation revealed, a witness observed a suspect enter a nearby home and exit with a mini motorcycle. A short time later the same suspect returned and forced entry into home a second time through a window. Thompson was subsequently identified as the suspect who burglarized the home and was placed under arrest. Thompson was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with 3^rd Degree Burglary, 4^th Degree Burglary, Property Destruction Under $1,000, and Theft Under $1,000. CASE #29073-15

James Thompson, JR.

*Booking photos are not available at this time. They will be posted when accessible. 

Correction: Deputies investigate head-on crash - Chaptico

Correction: the Infiniti was traveling westbound and the Ford truck was traveling eastbound at the time of the crash.

Deputies investigate head-on crash - Chaptico

Chaptico, Maryland - On May 25, 2015, at 1:30 PM, St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Porter was traveling on Budds Creek Road near Horseshoe Road, when he witnessed a head-on vehicle crash. Both drivers were subsequently flown to Prince George's Shock Trauma with serious injuries. There were no other occupants in either vehicle. 

Sheriff's Office Collision Reconstruction Team members responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. The preliminary investigation indicated a 2004 Infiniti G35, operated by David M. Hyson, age 53, of Lusby, was traveling eastbound on Budds Creek Road. A 1997 Ford Ranger truck, operated by Walter L. Payne, 3rd., age 27, of Mechanicsville, was traveling westbound on Budds Creek Road. For unknown reasons, the driver of the Ford Ranger crossed the center line and struck the Infiniti head on. Both drivers were last listed in stable condition.     

Contributing factors are undetermined at this time. Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to call Deputy First Class Brandon Foor ID #235 at 301.475.4200 X 2265.

Students charged with burglary, after senior prank

Chaptico, Maryland - On May 20th students at Chopticon High School arrived at school to find thousands of lady bugs inside the hallways. The investigation, conducted by Corporal Holton, School Resource Officer assigned to the school, revealed 5 suspects entered the school by forcing open a door at approximately 3:40 am on 5/20/15. Once inside, the suspects wearing masks and hooded sweatshirts, released approximately 72,000 lady bugs throughout the school. 

During the investigation, Corporal Holton identified 7 total suspects, including the 2 who waited in the car while the others entered the school. He also determined one of the suspects ordered the lady bugs off of the internet.  

4 male, juvenile, suspects have been charged with 4th Degree Burglary, Property Destruction Under $1,000, and Disruption of School Activities. The 4 suspects were released to the custody of their parents after being processed. The 3 remaining male, adult, suspects will be charged by criminal summons.  

Who Am I? iPad Theft - Walmart

California, Maryland - The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public's help in identifying the suspect pictured below. 

Monday, May 4, 2015, at 11:12 AM, the suspect was seen removing an Apple iPad Mini and an Apple iPad Air from the display case inside of the Walmart store located on Miramar Way. The suspect then concealed the items on his person and walked out of the store without paying. CASE #25859-15

Anyone with information regarding the identity of this suspect or about this crime in general is asked to call CRIME SOLVERS at 301.475.3333, or text a tip to "TIP239" plus your message to '"CRIMES" (274637). 

You may also contact Deputy Potter at 301.475.4200 X 9037. 

St. Mary’s County CRIME SOLVERS offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St. Mary's County that leads to an 

arrest or indictment.

Calls to CRIME SOLVERS are NOT RECORDED. 

CALLERS CAN REMAIN ANONYMOUS.

Incident Briefs 5-18-15 to 5-24-15

5-18-15 Burglary - Unknown suspect(s) entered a residence on Sue Drive in Lexington Park, and stole property. CASE #28738-15

5-18-15 Theft - Unknown suspect(s) entered a secured cell tower site in the area of the Charlotte Hall Farmer's Market, and stole several cell batteries. CASE #28691-15

5-18-15 Theft - Unknown suspect(s) entered a secured cell tower site in the area of Chancellors Run Road in California, and stole several cell batteries. CASE #28657-15

5-19-15 Burglary - Unknown suspect(s) entered a vacant residence on Coltons Point Road. Nothing appeared to have been stolen. CASE #28899-15

5-19-15 Burglary - Unknown suspect forcibly entered a shed on Village Court in Great Mills, and stole 2 Honda XR100 motorcycles. Both motorcycles were later recovered on Fox Chase Drive. CASE #29000-15

5-19-15 Attempted Burglary - The homeowner reported hearing noises at the front door as if someone was trying to force entry. Entry was not gained and no suspect(s) were located. CASE #29205-15

5-19-15 Counterfeit Complaint - An unidentified suspect attempted to purchase a vehicle with counterfeit bills. The victim refused the sale. CASE #29098-15

5-19-15 Burglary - Unknown suspects entered Chopticon High School during the night and placed several bales of straw containing lady bugs throughout the school. CASE #29214-15

5-20-15 Strong Armed Robbery - An unidentified suspect reached into the register while the clerk was completing a sale and attempted to steal money at the Dollar General store located in Charlotte Hall. After a brief struggle with the clerk, the suspect fled the store on foot without the money. CASE #29287-15

5-20-15 Deputy Tirpak responded to Commerce Avenue and recovered a 2000 Yamaha motorcycle that had been hidden in the tall weeds. The investigation determined the motorcycle had been stolen from a home on Galley Lane in Lexington Park. CASE #29224-15

5-21-15 Burglary - Sometime between 5/15/15 and 5/17/15, unknown suspect(s) entered a residence on Yowaski Mills Road in Mechanicsville, and stole property. CASE #29376-15

5-21-15 Burglary to Motor Vehicle - Unknown suspect(s) entered an unsecured vehicle on Castaway Circle in Lexington Park, and stole money. CASE #29320-15

5-21-15 Property Destruction - Unknown suspects(s) threw eggs at a vehicle on Searfoss Court in Lexington Park, causing damage. CASE #29329-15

5-21-15 Theft Motor Vehicle - Unknown suspect(s) stole a 2003 Ford Explorer from a residence on Eric Road in Lexington Park. CASE #29300-15

5-22-15 Burglary - Unknown suspect(s) entered an unlocked shed on Bruce Road in Golden Beach, and stole property. CASE #29707-15

5-22-15 Burglary - Unknown suspect(s) entered an unlocked shed on Woodmere Drive in Leonardtown, and stole property. CASE #29705-15

5-23-15 Assault (Stabbing) - At 2:23 am, deputies responded to Hancock Road in Lexington Park, and located a male victim with stab wounds to his arm and torso. The victim was flown to Prince George's Shock Trauma with non life-threatening wounds. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division responded and assumed the investigation. CASE #29845-15

5-23-15 Robbery - An unidentified black male suspect approached a female victim in the California Walmart parking lot. The suspect made threats of bodily harm while displaying a handgun and demanded the victim give him valuables. When other people in the parking lot began to walk toward them, the suspect fled on foot. Numerous deputies, K9 units, and detectives conducted an extensive search for the suspect with negative results. The Criminal Investigations Division assumed the investigation. CASE #29959-15

5-23-15 Vandalism - Unknown suspect(s) damaged a mailbox on Millstone Landing Road in California, when a firecracker was ignited inside. CASE #29885-15

5-23-15 Theft - Unknown suspect(s) entered a garage on Waterview Drive in Golden Beach, and stole  property. CASE #29899-15

5-24-15 Theft - Unknown suspect(s) stole property from a backyard on Sydney Drive in Lexington Park. CASE #30141-15

5-24-15 Burglary - Unknown suspect(s) entered an unsecured shed on Stockett Run Lane in Mechanicsville, and stole property. CASE #30168-15

5-24-15 Burglary - Unknown suspect(s) entered an unsecured shed on Poplar Ridge Road in Lexington Park, and stole property. CASE #30135-15

Pedestrian Struck on Three Notch Road

Lexington Park, Maryland - On May 22, 2015, at 7:04 AM,  deputies responded to Three Notch Road at the intersection of Chancellors Run Road, for a serious motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian.  Deputies found a pedestrian, identified as Portia Gantt, age 23, of California, Maryland, lying unresponsive in the center lane of Three Notch Road. Gantt was transported to Baltimore Shock Trauma by Maryland State Police Trooper 7 in stable condition. 

Sheriff's Office Collision Reconstruction Team members responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. The preliminary investigation indicated Gantt was crossing the southbound lanes of Three Notch Road in the crosswalk with an active walk signal from the pedestrian light when she was struck by a 2005 Ford Mustang operated by Ahmed Makin, age 22, of California, Maryland. At this time, speed and alcohol do not appear to be contributing factors in this collision. 

Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to call Corporal Brian Connelly, ID #151 at 301.863.4816 X 1456.

Operation Border2Border Kicks off Click it or Ticket Campaign

On May 19th, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and troopers from the Leonardtown and Prince Frederick Barracks of the Maryland State Police, conducted seatbelt compliance checks on both sides of the Thomas Johnson Bridge as part of the Border2Border Seat Belt Compliance Initiative. 

During the operation, a total of 1,728 vehicles passed through and 70 vehicles were stopped. Those vehicle stops resulted in 34 seatbelt citations, 16 cellphone citations, 1 license citation, 16 warnings and 1 safety equipment repair order. 

Each year more than 120 people, who are not wearing a seat belt at the time of a crash, die on Maryland’s roadways. Even low speed crashes can produce serious injuries or fatalities to unbelted vehicle occupants. This month the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is participating in  the Click it or Ticket campaign, which runs from May 11^th through May 31^st. The goal is simple - to remind all drivers and passengers about the lifesaving benefits of wearing a seat belt every time you ride in a vehicle, day or night, and in every seat.

Maryland crash data shows those who were reported as unbelted at the time of their crash were 67 percent more likely to sustain a moderate to fatal injury. The data also shows seat belts reduce the risk of moderate-to-critical injury by 50 percent. In 2014, more than 92 percent of drivers and front-seat passengers in Maryland were observed to be wearing their seatbelts, but crash data shows that an alarming percentage of people killed in crashes were unbelted.

Besides potentially saving your life, putting on your seat belt could mean keeping money in your pocket. A fine will cost you $83 including court costs. 

More than 89,000 seat belt citations are written each year in Maryland. St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office wants to see 100 percent seat belt use. Therefore, deputies will except no excuses.  

Click it or Ticket is a major component of Maryland's Toward Zero Deaths campaign, which focuses on promoting seat belt use and preventing impaired driving, aggressive driving, and distracted driving.  For more information on the Toward Zero Deaths campaign, please visit towardzerodeathsmd.com.

For more information on the Click it or Ticket campaign visit nhtsa.gov

Death Investigation - Lexington Park

Lexington Park, Maryland - On May 15, 2015 at approximately 1:04 PM, deputies assigned to patrol and the Lexington Park COPs Unit responded to the wooded area behind Nicolet Park for a death investigation.

Deputies made contact with a complainant who advised his fiancée, victim Amiee Lynn Jones, had died unexpectedly in her sleep.  The couple had been living in a tent in the wooded area.  Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division responded and assumed the investigation.  No indications of foul play were observed and a Forensic Investigator responded to the scene.  The victim was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

Captain Edward Willenborg

Commander, Criminal Investigations Division

301.475.4200 X 1998

Incident Briefs 5-15-15 to 5-18-15

5-15-15 Burglary - Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a residence located on Marshall Boulevard in Lexington Park. Nothing appeared to have been stolen. CASE #28154-15

5-16-15 Assault/Stabbing - A male victim arrived at MedStar St. Mary's Hospital with non life-threatening lacerations. A crime scene was located in Lexington Park. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division responded and assumed the investigation. Additional information will be released as it is developed. CASE #28312-15

5-16-15 Shooting Complaint - Deputies responded to the Westbury Subdivision after a caller to 9 1 1 reported hearing shots fired in the area. No suspects or evidence was located. CASE #28313-15

5-17-15 Theft of Motor Vehicle - Unknown suspect(s) stole a 2010 Kawaski EX 250 Ninja Motorcycle from a parking lot located on King Way in California. 

5-18-15 Burglary to Motor Vehicle - Unknown suspect(s) entered an unlocked vehicle in St. James and stole property. CASE #28498-15

 

Arrests 5-15-15

Contraband Place of Confinement – On May 5, 2015, Deputy McCuen responded to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. Corrections staff entered the cell of suspect Terrell Anthony Duckett, age 18, of Great Mills, after he was heard banging on the cell door. Correctional Officer Bowling observed Duckett in possession of a handcrafted dagger type object, commonly referred to as a “shank”. Duckett was charged with Possession Contraband in Place of Confinement. CASE #25970-15

Terrell Duckett

Assault – On May 6, 2015, Corporal Smolarsky responded to a residence on Goddard Court in Leonardtown, for a reported assault. The victim alleged suspect Damian Lamont Rogers, age 40, of Glen Burnie, grabbed the victim around the throat with his hands. The victim had fresh signs of injury. Rogers was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 2^nd Degree Assault. CASE #26201-15

Damian Rogers

Registered Sex Offender on Restricted Property – On May 6, 2015 at 10:41 AM, Detective Corporal Raddatz received information suspect Robert Edward Hall, age 53, of Lexington Park, was at the Lexington Park Elementary School. Hall is a Tier 3 Registered Sex Offender. Patrol deputies immediately responded to the school and located Hall in the main office. Hall was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center by Corporal Moritz. He was charged with Registered Sex Offender Entering Restricted Property. CASE #26218-15  

Robert Edward Hall

Violation Protective Order – On May 6, 2015, Deputy Wesner responded to a residence on Indian Way in Lexington Park, for an unrelated matter. Suspect William Joseph Flanagin, JR., age 37, of Lexington Park, was located inside the residence in violation of an active protective order. Flanagin was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with Violation Protective Order. CASE #26328-15

William Flanagin

Property Destruction – On May 6, 2015, deputies located suspect Andre Moreno O’Brien, age 30, of no fixed address, on Prather Drive. O’Brien was wanted on an outstanding bench warrant for violation of probation. O’Brien was arrested without incident and placed into a marked police car to be transported to the detention center. O’Brien kicked the rear windshield out of the police car. He was then placed into another police car for transport at which time he spit repeatedly all over the inside of the car. O’Brien was charged with 2 COUNTS of Property Destruction by Deputy Steinbach. CASE #26286-15

Andre O'Brien

Assault – On May 7, 2015, Deputy Roszell responded to a residence in the 13000 block of Point Lookout Road in Ridge, for a reported domestic assault. The victim alleged on 5/6/15 suspect Marcus Donar Hatzel, age 49, of Ridge, and began pushing the victim and threw the victim around in the kitchen causing injury to the victim’s elbows. Hatzel was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 2^nd Degree Assault. CASE #26523-15

Marcus Hatzell

Baby Stroller Thief - Do You Know Me?

California, Maryland - The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public's help in identifying the suspect pictured below. 

On Thursday, May 7, 2015, at 3:30 PM, the suspect pushed a shopping cart containing a baby stroller out of the Walmart store, located on Miramar Way, without paying. CASE # 22208-15

 Anyone with information regarding the identity of this suspect or about this crime in general is asked to call CRIME SOLVERS at 301.475.3333, or text a tip to "TIP239" plus your message to '"CRIMES" (274637). 

You may also contact Deputy Roszell at 301.475.4200 X 9108. 

St. Mary’s County CRIME SOLVERS offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St. Mary's County that leads to an 

arrest or indictment.

Calls to CRIME SOLVERS are NOT RECORDED. 

CALLERS CAN REMAIN ANONYMOUS

Incident Briefs 5-4-15 to 5-15-15

5-5-15 Theft - Unknown suspect(s) stole the wheels, brake pads and rotors from a vehicle for sale at Lexington Park Ford located on Great Mills Road. CASE #25968-15

5-5-15 Burglary Motor Vehicle - Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a vehicle parked at the Home 2 Suites in Lexington Park and stole the stereo system. CASE #25969-15

5-7-15 Burglary - Unknown suspect(s) entered a residence located on Erin Drive in Mechanicsville, through an unlocked door. Once inside, suspect(s) stole money. CASE #26415-15

5-8-15 Theft Motor Vehicle - On 5-6-15, the owner of a 1997 Chrysler Town and Country van left the vehicle in the parking lot of the Super 8 Motel in Lexington Park, after the vehicle broke down. Unknown suspect(s) operating a tow truck removed the vehicle. The vehicle was not towed by the motel staff. CASE #26540-15

5-9-15 Attempted Burglary - Unknown suspect(s) tampered with a lock on the victim's barn located on Deerhaven Lane. CASE #26711-15

5-9-15 Burglary Motor Vehicle - Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim's unlocked vehicle and stole property. Suspect(s) also scratched the vehicle. CASE #26853-15

5-10-15 Burglary - Unknown suspect(s) entered a home located on Halsey Court in California and stole several items of property. CASE #27052-15

5-11-15 Property Destruction - Unknown suspect(s) broke a driver's side window on the victim's vehicle located on Winding Way. CASE #27097-15

5-11-15 Property Destruction - Unknown suspect(s) threw several eggs at the victim's vehicle while she traveled along Colton's Point Road. CASE #27125-15

5-11-15 Burglary - Unknown suspect(s) forced entry in a residence located on South Essex Drive in Lexington Park. Nothing appeared to have been stolen. CASE #27131-15

5-13-15 Burglary Motor Vehicle - Unknown suspect(s) entered an unlocked vehicle on Baringer Drive in California, and stole property. CASE #27535-15

5-13-15 Theft - Unknown suspect(s) stole a Quick Attach bucket used on a Bobcat from a vacant lot in Charlotte Hall. CASE #27681-15

5-14-15 Property Destruction - Unknown suspect(s) punctured all 4 tires and spray painted a victim's while the vehicle was parked on Jeeter Way. The crime occurred sometime during the last month. CASE #27760-15 

5-14-15 Burglary/Theft Motor Vehicle - Corporal Kirkner recovered an abandoned Yamaha dirt bike at Myrtle Point State Park. A short time later, the bike was reported stolen from a shed on Poplar Lane in Lexington Park. Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into the shed and stole the bike sometime during the previous night. CASE #27705-15

5-15-15 Burglary - Sometime over the past month, unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a shed located in the 20000 block of Hermanville Road and stole property. CASE #27993-15

Notice of JAG Program Grant Solicitation FY2015

MEDIA RELEASE

May 14, 2015

Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program FY2015

Local Solicitation CFDA #16.738

Overview of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program:

        The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance

is pleased to announce that it is seeking applications for funding under the Edward Byrne

Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. This program furthers the Department’s

mission by assisting state, local and tribal efforts to prevent or reduce crime and violence.

          The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program (42 U.S.C. 3751

(a)) is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. The JAG Program provides states and units of local governments with critical funding necessary to support a

range of program areas including law enforcement, prosecution and court programs, prevention and education programs, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, crime victim and witness initiatives, and planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs.

           The St. Mary’s County Sheriff Office will receive $17,127 in local solicitation.

Point of Contact: Bonnie Lancaster, Fiscal Specialist, 301.475.4200 X1931

UPDATE: Missing Person - Megan Morando

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is no longer looking for Megan Morando. Thank you to the public and media partners for all of the assistance in locating her.

Suspect Charged With Contaminating Milk

Mechanicsville, Maryland - On May 6, 2015, a victim, who resides at a residence on Finch Court, responded to Sheriff's Office headquarters to report a peace order violation. The victim indicated on 5/4/15, she and two additional victims returned home after being gone for most of the day. The victims poured milk, which had been stored in the home's refrigerator, into glasses to drink during dinner. After one of the victim's swallowed some of the milk, she began to choke on a substance in the milk. She then coughed up the substance and discovered what appeared to be human skin. The second victim swallowed some of the milk and also felt something in the liquid. She immediately began to gag and cough up the milk along with the substance. The third victim poured the milk but never drank it. They subsequently poured the remainder of the milk into a strainer and found what appeared to be human skin shavings in the milk container. The victim's alleged another roommate in the home, identified as Sarah Preston Schrock, age 56, of Mechanicsville, shaves the bottoms of her feet and keeps the skin in trays in her bedroom. 

Schrock was issued a peace order on 5/1/15 with the protected parties being one of the victims. On 5/3/15, Schrock was arrested for violating the order, however she returned to the residence that same evening upon her release. She was home alone in the residence for most of the day on 5/4/15. 

Schrock was located and placed under arrest. She was transported to the St. Mary's County Detention Center and charged with Felony Contaminating/Poisoning Food/Drink, 3 COUNTS of 2nd Degree Assault, and Violation of Peace Order by Corporal Jaime Davis. CASE #25865-15

Sarah Schrock

  

Fatal Crash - Newtowne Neck Road, Leonardtown

Leonardtown, Maryland - On May 9th at 3:00 AM, Corporal J. Somerville was conducting a premise check at the Exxon when a citizen informed him of an overturned vehicle on Newtowne Neck Road in the area of Rosebank Road.

Deputies searched the area and located a Ford F-150 overturned resting in a ditch on its roof. The driver, and sole occupant, identified as Barry Dale Whittington, Jr., age 32, of Leonardtown, was pronounced dead on the scene.

Members of the Sheriff's Office Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. The preliminary investigation indicated the truck was traveling northbound on Newtowne Neck Road. For unknown reasons, the truck left the roadway as it approached Rosebank Road. The truck then traveled along a ditch before striking a culvert and overturning. Speed is believed to be a factor in the crash.

Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to call Deputy C. Beyer at 301.475.4040. The investigation is ongoing and additional information will be released as it is developed. 

Do You Know Me? Person of Interest - Walmart

California, Maryland - Deputy Dale Smith is asking for the public's help in identifying the male subject pictured below. 

On Thursday, April 30, 2015, at 5:18 PM, a customer left a cell phone on the counter at Walmart, located on Miramar Way, after checking out.  The male subject was captured on video picking up the cell phone. The phone has not been turned in to Walmart or law enforcement. CASE #25095-15

Anyone with information regarding the identity of this subject or about this incident in general is asked to call CRIME SOLVERS at 301.475.3333, or text a tip to "TIP239" plus your message to '"CRIMES" (274637). 

You may also contact Deputy Dale Smith at 301.475.4200 X 9098. 

St. Mary’s County CRIME SOLVERS offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St. Mary's County that leads to an 

arrest or indictment.

Calls to CRIME SOLVERS are NOT RECORDED. 

CALLERS CAN REMAIN ANONYMOUS.

Lethality Assessment Program - Joint Press Release MSMH & SMCSO

Leonardtown, Maryland - On April 24, 2015, educators, from the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence in collaboration with MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital (MSMH) and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, presented Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) training. The LAP is a multi-pronged intervention that consists of a standardized, evidence-based lethality assessment questionnaire and accompanying referral protocol used to help first responders make a differential response - tailored to the unique circumstances of high-danger victims. Hospital professionals, Sheriff’s Office detectives, and Walden Behavioral Health staff, all members of the St. Mary’s County Family Violence Coordinating Council (SMCFVCC), learned to identify victims of domestic violence, especially those who are at the highest risk of being seriously injured or killed, and provide them with immediate domestic violence support services. Members also learned how to accurately assess and document physical injury as a result of a domestic violence incident for potential use as evidence. 

The need for additional trained staff is clear. Between July 1, 2013, and June 30, 2014,  95 victims of domestic violence were brought to MSMH by the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office compared to 35 in fiscal year 2012. Since Yvonne Dawkins, RN, FNE-A, (hospital based domestic violence program coordinator), began in July 2014, 240 patients have been identified, throughout all departments of the hospital, as victims of domestic violence. After completing their training, several additional MSMH staff members will be able to document injuries and connect patients experiencing domestic violence to the appropriate services in accordance with the SMCFVCC continuum of care. Important improvements have also been made to the hospital's electronic medical record, which assists RN Dawkins in following up with patients in a timely manner in order to guide them through the support system network.

For many years, St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office deputies have been completing a domestic violence lethality screen with victims in cases where domestic abuse or assault is suspected and immediately connecting them with support services provided by SMCFVCC. A lethality screen consists of a set of questions used in the field to assess a victim's risk of homicide or severe re-assault. Without question, the domestic violence lethality screen has proven to be an effective method for police to evaluate a victim's level of risk. The law enforcement community recognizes not all victims wish to talk to, let alone report, such crimes to police. However, that same victim may be inclined to disclose domestic abuse to clinical staff during a visit to the hospital. This layer of well trained hospital personnel is a welcomed addition in the fight against domestic violence. The creation of the LAP has further served to improve the partnership between law enforcement officers, hospital staff, and community service providers and advocates. "The LAP is designed to provide a timely response and support for victims facing potential life threatening situations. It's all about breaking the cycle of abuse. The caring and professional staff at MSMH is doing a tremendous job in helping to do just that. " - Corporal Doug Harris, Domestic Violence Coordinator, St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff’s Office and MedStar St. Mary's Hospital along with Walden Behavioral staff are proud to be working together to strengthen our response to domestic violence in St. Mary’s County. 

Point of Contact MSMH:
Holly Meyer, Director of Marketing, Public Relations and Philanthropy
301.475.6010

holly.b.meyer@wedstar.net

Point of Contact SMCSO:
Corporal Doug Harris, Domestic Violence Coordinator
301.475.4200 X 9015
douglas.harris@stmarysmd.com

Sergeant Cara Grumbles, Public Information Officer
301.475.4200 X 1997
cara.grumbles@stmarysmd.com

For more information visit: 

www.mnadv.org

www.dangerassessment.org

www.waldensierra.org

Walden Sierra Domestic Violence 24 hour HOTLINE 301.863.6661

Calvert County Sheriff's Office Press Release Regarding Homicide Suspect Found Dead in St. Mary's County

The following press release was issued by the Calvert County Sheriff's Office on 5-4-15 at 3:00 PM:

On May 2, 2015 at approximately 1642 hours members of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office patrol Bureau responded to 8296 Sycamore Road, Lusby, Maryland 20657 for a report of an unconscious  male.  Upon arrival units discovered a male, later identified as Levi Buck, 48 year old male.   It became apparent that Buck was suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.   CPR was performed; however after another assessment it was determined that Buck’s injuries were incompatible with life and he was pronounced dead on the scene.

Due to the nature of the crime Calvert Investigations Bureau (CIB) assumed the investigation into the death of Levi Buck.  During the investigation numerous witnesses were interviewed and were cooperating with the investigation.  Shortly after assuming the investigation CIB detectives developed a person of interest in the case.  Robert Scott Slaughter, 43 years old of Mechanicsville, Maryland, was sought for questioning by the detectives.   A multi-jurisdictional broadcast was conducted containing description of Slaughter and his vehicle, a 2006 red Ford Mustang GT.  Officers from Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Charles County Sheriff’s Office and Maryland State Police were attempting to locate Slaughter on the roadways, as well as at various places Slaughter was known to frequent.  The Calvert County State’s Attorney’s Office assigned ASA A. Rappaport to the case in effort to provide support to detectives during the investigation.  

The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office CIB deployed numerous detectives throughout the Southern Maryland region in an attempt to apprehend Slaughter, as he was considered armed and dangerous following the shooting on Sycamore Road. 

On 5/2/2015 at approximately 2049 hours Det. M. Mudd, of the Criminal Investigations Bureau, made contact with Slaughter via telephone and spoke with Slaughter for approximately five minutes.  Slaughter indicated to Det. M. Mudd that he was in Huntingtown and was coming to the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office in order to speak with detectives regarding the incident on Sycamore Road.    Slaughter never came to the Sheriff’s Officer and that was the last conversation Slaughter had with anyone known to investigators.   Prior to speaking with Det. M. Mudd on the phone, Slaughter had a brief conversation with his wife and exchanged a limited number of text messages throughout the evening.  Based on the contents of Slaughter’s messages it was believed that he may have been considering suicide. 

Units from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and Charles County Sheriff’s Office continued to follow-up leads, canvass southern Maryland roadways and neighborhoods and work with cell phone providers in order to locate Slaughter.  The efforts continued from the time of the call until 5/3/2015 at approximately 0530 hours; however, Slaughter was not located.

On 5/3/2015 at 1130 hours CIB Detectives were deployed to the White Sands neighborhood and canvassed the area in search of additional witnesses to the shooting.  Additional interviews, with witnesses who were already identified, were also conducted by detectives.  The search for Slaughter resumed and continued until the evening hours on Sunday 5/3/2015.

On 5/4/2015 at approximately 0700 hours an officer with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office observed Slaughter’s vehicle in the rear parking lot of Mount Zion Church, Mechanicsville, Maryland.  Slaughter was observed in the front seat and was not moving.  With assistance from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Team the vehicle was secured and entry was gained. 

Detectives from CIB responded to the scene and assisted the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office with scene processing.  Robert Scott Slaughter was found in the driver’s seat suffering from a single gunshot wound to the head.  Slaughter was pronounced dead on the scene.  Investigation revealed that Slaughter’s injury was self-inflicted.  A small caliber rifle was located in Slaughters right hand. Slaughter appeared to be deceased for some time, although the exact time of death is pending an autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, in Baltimore.

Based on the information learned during the investigation, facts of the case, electronic data and witness statements Slaughter shot and killed Levi Buck on 5/2/2015.  Slaughter fled the scene and subsequently took his own life sometime on the evening of 5/2/2015 or the early morning hours on 5/3/2015. 

Arrests 5-4-15

Assault – On May 2, 2015, Deputy K. Molitor responded to a residence in the 21000 block of Lexwood Court in Lexington Park, for a reported assault. The victim alleged suspect Steven Richard West, age 35, of Lexington Park, threw a can of cooking spray at the victim. The can struck the victim in the abdomen leaving a red mark. West was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 2^nd Degree Assault. CASE #25416-15

Steven West

Burglary to Motor Vehicle – On May 2, 2015 at 6:10 PM, Deputy H. Smith responded to the McDonalds restaurant located on Great Mills Road, for a reported burglary to a motor vehicle. The victim reported he had been working in the area and believed at some point his wallet was stolen from his unsecured truck. The victim’s bank had also informed him one of his credit cards had been used at multiple business in the Lexington Park area. Deputy Smith began responding to the businesses to investigate the credit card usages. One of the busniesses captured the transaction on video and Deputy Smith was able to see the suspect along with store employees. A short time later, a store employee spotted the suspect at another nearby restaurant and notified Deputy Smith. Deputy Smith contacted the suspect, identified as Shanae Elizabeth Dorsey, age 25, of Leonardtown and placed her under arrest. Dorsey was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with Theft Under $1,000 and Rogue and Vagabond. CASE #25481-15

Shanae Dorsey

Peace Order Violation – On May 3, 2015, Deputy Steinbach responded to a residence on Finch Court in Mechancsville, for a reported violation of an active peace order. The victim alleged suspect Sarah Preston Schrock, age 56, of Mechanicsville, contacted the victim verbally in violation of the peace order. Schrock was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. She was charged with Failure to Comply with Peace Order. CASE #25616-15

Sarah Schrock

Assault – On May 3, 2015, Deputy Tirpak responded to a residence on Jay Dee Court in Lexington Park, for a domestic assault in progress. The victim alleged suspect Eundra Keffi Hensley, age 41, of Hollywood, struck the victim in the face and head with her fist during an argument. Deputy Tirpak observed fresh injury to the victim’s eye. Hensley was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. She was charged with 2^nd Degree Assault. CASE #25625-15

Eundra Hensley

Property Destruction – On May 3, 2015, Deputy Schultz responded to a residence on Ellenbee Court in Lexington Park, for a reported disturbance. Relatives reported suspect Tyrone Corde Claggett, age 28, of Prince Frederick, began breaking things inside the home while under the influence of drugs. Claggett then went outside and proceeded to strike a neighbor’s car with a piece of wood for no apparent reason. The damage to the car was estimated to be $700.00. Claggett was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with Malicious destruction of Property. CASE #25690-15

Tyrone Claggett