Thursday, February 23, 2017

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Stabbing in Lexington Park (UPDATED- SUSPECT IDENTIFIED)

Update – St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office detectives worked throughout the evening to develop a suspect identified as Joseph Charles Swales, age 55, of Lexington Park. He was taken into custody and is being held at the St. Mary’s County Detention Center on a no-bond status.

The victim was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Joseph Charles Swales



On February 22, 2017, at approximately 7:03 p.m., St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office patrol units responded to the 21000 block of Dana Court in Lexington Park for a reported stabbing. Deputies arrived at the scene and located a victim suffering from stab wounds to the upper torso. The victim was transported via Trooper 7 to a shock trauma center for treatment.

The Criminal Investigations Division responded and is continuing the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Scott Ruest at 301-475-4200, ext. 2297 * or by email, Scott.Ruest@stmarysmd.com.

CRIME SOLVERS at 301.475.3333 or text a tip to "TIP239" plus your message to "CRIMES" (274637). Calls to CRIME SOLVERS are NOT RECORDED.CALLERS CAN REMAIN ANONYMOUS