Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Traffic Tip Tuesdays: Yielding for Emergency Vehicles
In an effort to promote awareness of state traffic laws, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office will be posting excerpts of the 2018-2019 edition of The Maryland Vehicle Law Annotated on Tuesdays.
Adhering to the law will make roadways in St. Mary’s County and in Maryland safer for drivers, passengers, bicyclists, horse-and-buggy operators and pedestrians.
#TrafficTipTuesdays
Yielding for Emergency Vehicles
Sec. 21-405. Operation of vehicles on approach of emergency vehicles.
(a) In general – On the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals … or of a police vehicle lawfully using an audible signal, the driver of every other vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall yield the right-of-way.
(b) On the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals … or of a police vehicle lawfully using an audible signal, the driver of every other vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall drive immediately to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the edge or curb of the roadway, clear of any intersection.
(c) Stopping until emergency vehicle passes. The driver of every other vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall stop and stay in this position until the emergency vehicle has passed.
(d) Passing emergency vehicle or police vehicle. A driver, when proceeding in the same direction as an emergency or police vehicle, may not pass an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals … unless: 1) The emergency vehicle has stopped, or 2) Otherwise directed by a police officer.
The fines for failure of a driver to yield the right-of-way to emergency or police vehicles using signals are $110 and one point assessed on a driver’s license or $150 and three points on a license if contributing to an accident. If the violation contributes to an accident that results in death, the fine is $750 and three points on a license.
The fine for passing a moving emergency or police vehicle using signals is $110 and two points on a license or $150 and three points if contributing to an accident or $750 and three points on a license if contributing to an accident that results in death.
Monday, April 29, 2019
DFC Jason Bush Passes Away
 |
| DFC Jason Bush |
Deputy Bush passed away on Monday, April 29, 2019, after a
courageous and hard-fought battle against cancer. He was just 34 years old.
Jason was a native of Prince George’s County and a graduate
of York College of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal
Justice. After graduation, Jason went to
work with Prince George’s County government as a civilian investigator,
investigating workplace harassment claims. Jason had built a solid reputation
in his career but always wanted to be a police officer.
Jason was hired by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office on
Aug. 10, 2015 and then attended the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy,
Class 42 and graduated on June 3, 2016 distinguishing himself amongst his
peers. Once he graduated from the
academy he enthusiastically worked in the Patrol Division, working diligently
each day serving the public. Jason
served as a Patrol Officer from his graduation on June 3, 2016 until his death
on April 29, 2019.
Capt. David Yingling, Commander of the St. Mary’s County
Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, said, “When I first met Jason he
distinguished himself with his kind spirit and his commitment to others. He was a peacemaker on the road and patiently
treating everyone he contacted with tremendous respect. Jason’s grace under pressure and dignity were
such an inspiration to those he served with.”
On March 9, 2019, Jason was awarded with the Sheriff’s
Office Gold Medal of Valor – the agency’s highest award – which was later
presented to him at his home by Sheriff Tim Cameron and Capt. Yingling in the
presence of Jason’s Patrol Squad.
Despite receiving a formidable cancer diagnosis, Deputy
Jason Bush showed exemplary strength in the face of pain, great dignity despite
suffering and demonstrated a continued selfless desire to contribute to the
Sheriff’s Office mission. Deputy Bush remained positive, devoting time to his
family, close friends and his Sheriff’s Office family – especially his squad.
Despite being ill while receiving treatment, Deputy Bush asked to work light
duty in the quartermasters office, putting the welfare of his colleagues and
the agency ahead of his own.
Sheriff Tim Cameron said, “This is a terribly sad time for
the men and women of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office who worked
alongside Deputy Bush and called him a colleague and a friend. However, we can
all be extraordinarily proud of Jason for the courage that he displayed in
fighting his cancer. Jason’s calm courage in the storm of cancer is an
inspiration for us all, as is his commitment, bravery and determination.”
Deputy Bush is survived by his
parents Richard and Vicki Bush of Ridge and the men and women of the St. Mary’s
County Sheriff’s Office. The Bush family requests privacy at this time.
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
On View Arrests/Warrants/DUI
On View Arrests:
Burglary/Resisting Arrest- On April 15, 2019, Dep. Schell responded to the 40000 block of Holt Road in Mechanicsville, for the reported disturbance. Megan Lee Maxwell, age 38 of Clements, was escorted off the property and told not to return. Maxwell later returned to the residence and entered the home through a window. Dep. Schell located Maxell inside the residence and informed her she was under arrest. Maxwell began actively resisting arrest, and tried to kick an officer on the scene. Maxwell was taken into custody and charged with Burglary 4th Degree, Trespass Private Property, Resist Arrest, and Fail to Obey Lawful Order. CASE# 21981-19
Violation of Protective Order- On April 15, 2019, Dep. Graves responded to the 22700 block of Duke Street in Leonardtown, for the reported violation of protective order. Investigation determined Renee Peltz Dennison, age 41 of Leonardtown, violated a court order by sending messages in attempt to contact protected parties in the court order. Dennison was arrested and charged with Violate Protective Order. CASE# 22116-19
Warrants:
04/15/19- Rodney Oneal Runnels Jr., age 30 of Lexington Park, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for two counts of Assault 2nd Degree, Violate Protective Order, and Child Abuse 2nd Degree by Dep. Edelen# 330. CASE# 21324-19
04/15/19- Evelyn Virginia Dean, age 47 of Ridge, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation/Theft by DFC. Nauman# 301. CASE# 22039-19
04/15/19- Juinel Lyniece Steward, age 29 of Lexington Park, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation by Dep. Baker# 349. CASE# 21986-19
04/15/19- Richard Lester Maples, age 55 of Mechanicsville, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation/Theft and Theft Scheme by DFC. Holdsworth# 305. CASE# 22028-19
04/15/19- Queen Ella Champion, age 36 of Callaway, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for two counts of Assault 2nd Degree by DFC. Holdsworth# 305. CASE# 22036-19
04/16/19- Anna Drue Mizak, age 30 of Pennsylvania, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Failure to Appear/Theft and Contraband in Place of Confinement by Cpl. Pesante# 153. CASE# 22232-19
04/16/19- Harold Christopher Garner, age 26 of Lexington Park, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Failure to Appear/Child Support by Dep. Edelen# 330. CASE# 22288-19
04/17/19- Brandon Russell Miller, age 27 of Mechanicsville, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Sex Offender/Fail to Notify by Dep. Kilgore# 347. CASE# 20746-19
04/17/19- Mark Wayne Williams, age 51 of Great Mills, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for FTA/Possession of Open Container in Public by Dep. Westphal# 337. CASE# 22428-19
04/17/19- James Garrick Young, age 59 of Bushwood, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Child Support by Dep. Westphal# 337. CASE# 22459-19
DUIs:
04/14/19- Dep. Fretwell responded to the 25000 block of Pin Cushion Road in Loveville, for the reported single vehicle accident. Responding deputies located Carl Lee Williams, age 47 of Leonardtown, near the accident scene with a disabled vehicle. Investigation determined Williams' vehicle left the roadway and struck a culvert. Williams left the scene of the accident but was located a short distance later with his vehicle inoperable. Williams was found to be operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Williams was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, and Driving While Impaired. CASE# 21933-19
04/15/19- Dep. Baker conducted a traffic stop in the 23400 block of Three Notch Road in Hollywood. The operator, Charles Lee Graham, age 26 of White Plains, was determined to be operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Graham was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Driving While Impaired by Alcohol. CASE# 22069-19
04/15/19- Dep. Burgess responded to the 24800 block of Three Notch Road in Hollywood, for the reported check the welfare. Dep. Burgess located Michael Andre Artayet, age 58 of Mechanicsville; investigation determined Artavet was operating his vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Artavet was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, and Driving While Impaired by Alcohol. CASE# 22082-19
04/16/19- Dep. Graves responded to the 24500 block of Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown, for the reported vehicle collision. Investigation determined one of the involved operators, Anthony James Campbell, age 35 of Mechanicsville, was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Campbell was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, and Driving While Impaired. CASE# 22276-19
04/17/19- Dep. Edelen located Myresha Dionna Woodland, age 23 of Mechanicsville, slumped over the wheel of her vehicle in the 22700 block of Three Notch Road in California. It was determined Woodland had been operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Woodland was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving While Impaired by Alcohol, and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se. CASE# 22346-19 (No Photograph Available)
Burglary/Resisting Arrest- On April 15, 2019, Dep. Schell responded to the 40000 block of Holt Road in Mechanicsville, for the reported disturbance. Megan Lee Maxwell, age 38 of Clements, was escorted off the property and told not to return. Maxwell later returned to the residence and entered the home through a window. Dep. Schell located Maxell inside the residence and informed her she was under arrest. Maxwell began actively resisting arrest, and tried to kick an officer on the scene. Maxwell was taken into custody and charged with Burglary 4th Degree, Trespass Private Property, Resist Arrest, and Fail to Obey Lawful Order. CASE# 21981-19
Megan Lee Maxwell
Violation of Protective Order- On April 15, 2019, Dep. Graves responded to the 22700 block of Duke Street in Leonardtown, for the reported violation of protective order. Investigation determined Renee Peltz Dennison, age 41 of Leonardtown, violated a court order by sending messages in attempt to contact protected parties in the court order. Dennison was arrested and charged with Violate Protective Order. CASE# 22116-19
Renee Peltz Dennision
Warrants:
04/15/19- Rodney Oneal Runnels Jr., age 30 of Lexington Park, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for two counts of Assault 2nd Degree, Violate Protective Order, and Child Abuse 2nd Degree by Dep. Edelen# 330. CASE# 21324-19
Rodney Oneal Runnels Jr.
04/15/19- Evelyn Virginia Dean, age 47 of Ridge, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation/Theft by DFC. Nauman# 301. CASE# 22039-19
Evelyn Virginia Dean
04/15/19- Juinel Lyniece Steward, age 29 of Lexington Park, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation by Dep. Baker# 349. CASE# 21986-19
Juinel Lyniece Steward
04/15/19- Richard Lester Maples, age 55 of Mechanicsville, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation/Theft and Theft Scheme by DFC. Holdsworth# 305. CASE# 22028-19
Richard Lester Maples
04/15/19- Queen Ella Champion, age 36 of Callaway, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for two counts of Assault 2nd Degree by DFC. Holdsworth# 305. CASE# 22036-19
Queen Ella Champion
04/16/19- Anna Drue Mizak, age 30 of Pennsylvania, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Failure to Appear/Theft and Contraband in Place of Confinement by Cpl. Pesante# 153. CASE# 22232-19
Anna Drue Mizak
04/16/19- Harold Christopher Garner, age 26 of Lexington Park, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Failure to Appear/Child Support by Dep. Edelen# 330. CASE# 22288-19
Harold Christopher Garner
04/17/19- Brandon Russell Miller, age 27 of Mechanicsville, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Sex Offender/Fail to Notify by Dep. Kilgore# 347. CASE# 20746-19
Brandon Russell Miller
04/17/19- Mark Wayne Williams, age 51 of Great Mills, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for FTA/Possession of Open Container in Public by Dep. Westphal# 337. CASE# 22428-19
Mark Wayne Williams
04/17/19- James Garrick Young, age 59 of Bushwood, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Child Support by Dep. Westphal# 337. CASE# 22459-19
James Garrick Young
DUIs:
04/14/19- Dep. Fretwell responded to the 25000 block of Pin Cushion Road in Loveville, for the reported single vehicle accident. Responding deputies located Carl Lee Williams, age 47 of Leonardtown, near the accident scene with a disabled vehicle. Investigation determined Williams' vehicle left the roadway and struck a culvert. Williams left the scene of the accident but was located a short distance later with his vehicle inoperable. Williams was found to be operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Williams was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, and Driving While Impaired. CASE# 21933-19
Carl Lee Williams
04/15/19- Dep. Baker conducted a traffic stop in the 23400 block of Three Notch Road in Hollywood. The operator, Charles Lee Graham, age 26 of White Plains, was determined to be operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Graham was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Driving While Impaired by Alcohol. CASE# 22069-19
Charles Lee Graham
04/15/19- Dep. Burgess responded to the 24800 block of Three Notch Road in Hollywood, for the reported check the welfare. Dep. Burgess located Michael Andre Artayet, age 58 of Mechanicsville; investigation determined Artavet was operating his vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Artavet was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, and Driving While Impaired by Alcohol. CASE# 22082-19
Michael Andre Artavet
04/16/19- Dep. Graves responded to the 24500 block of Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown, for the reported vehicle collision. Investigation determined one of the involved operators, Anthony James Campbell, age 35 of Mechanicsville, was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Campbell was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, and Driving While Impaired. CASE# 22276-19
Anthony James Campbell
04/17/19- Dep. Edelen located Myresha Dionna Woodland, age 23 of Mechanicsville, slumped over the wheel of her vehicle in the 22700 block of Three Notch Road in California. It was determined Woodland had been operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Woodland was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving While Impaired by Alcohol, and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se. CASE# 22346-19 (No Photograph Available)
Wanted-Donald Edward Rankin
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s
Office is seeking the whereabouts of Donald Edward Rankin, age 63 of Lexington
Park. Rankin has an active arrest
warrant for two counts of sexual abuse of a minor. Rankin is 6’1” in height, weighs 190 pounds,
and has gray hair and blue eyes.
Anyone with information on the
whereabouts of Donald Edward Rankin is asked to call Detective Trevor Teague at
(301) 475-4200 extension *8128 or by email at Trevor.Teague@stmarysmd.com. Citizens
may remain anonymous and contact Crime Solvers at (301) 475-3333, or text a tip
to “TIP239” plus their message to “CRIMES” (274637). Through the Crime Solvers
Program tipsters are eligible for an award of up to $1,000 for information
about a crime in St. Mary’s County that leads to an arrest or indictment.
For official news and
information, follow the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter
@firstsheriff.
Donald Edward Rankin
Theft Suspect's Identity Needed
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the identity of the person operating the vehicle pictured. On Friday, March 29, 2019, between 10 and 10:30 p.m., the suspect removed and stole an “In the Ditch” brand, two-piece tow dolly from a PJ’s Towing tow truck. The suspect appeared to be male, wearing pants with a reflective stripe. At the time of the theft, the tow truck was parked at Hollyrock Customs at Commerce Drive in Hollywood. Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to call Cpl. David Corcoran at 301-475-4200, ext. *8011 or email david.corcoran@stmarysmd.com. Case # 18909-19
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Identification Needed
June 4, 2019 update: The suspect has been identified.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the identity of the individual pictured. On April 12, 2019, the individual left the Walmart store located on Miramar Way in California, with a large screen television and other merchandise he did not purchase. The individual was observed leaving the area in a red Ford Explorer.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the identity of the individual pictured. On April 12, 2019, the individual left the Walmart store located on Miramar Way in California, with a large screen television and other merchandise he did not purchase. The individual was observed leaving the area in a red Ford Explorer.
Anyone with information on the
identity of the pictured individual is asked to contact Corporal Gray Maloy at
(301) 475-4200 extension *8035 or by email at Gray.Maloy@stmarysmd.com. Citizens
may remain anonymous and contact Crime Solvers at (301) 475-3333, or text a tip
to “TIP239” plus their message to “CRIMES” (274637). Through the Crime Solvers
Program tipsters are eligible for an award of up to $1,000 for information
about a crime in St. Mary’s County that leads to an arrest or indictment.
For official news and
information, follow the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter
@firstsheriff.
