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Hoagies for Heroes!

To celebrate National Hoagie Day, Wawa delivered hoagies to some of our Heroes at District 3 station!

Thank you, Wawa, for recognizing our Heroes!

Identity Needed for Suspect in Property Destruction

 The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the subject pictured in a Property Destruction. On Friday, June 23, 2023, at approximately 11:40 AM the suspect spray-painted graffiti on several exterior walls on a building on Corporate Drive in Lexington Park. 

The suspect is described as a black male in a pink camo hoodie, light-colored pants, white socks and flip-flops, using a can of black spray paint. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to call Deputy Richard Stillwell at 301-475-4200, ext. 8183 or email Richard.Stillwell@stmaryscountymd.gov 

Case #33349-23

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. 

Biking Together

 On June 27, 2023, Sgt. Robert Merritt, (pictured in light blue shirt), rode 23 miles of the northern portion of the Three Notch Trail. This is part of the Summer Youth Engagement Activities through the Department of Juvenile Services, (DJS), of St. Mary’s County.

Pictured with Sgt. Merritt are the two participating high school students and two DJS employees, Ms. Aaliyah Fields and Mr. Dan Schaidt.

Update on Shooting in Lexington Park

 

On June 23, 2023, at around 11:38 a.m., Deputies with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Gloucester Court for the report of shots fired. Deputies arrived on scene and located a 17-year-old male with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported by ambulance to regional Trauma Center in stable condition.

A lookout was placed, and Deputies set up a perimeter around the area. Ultimately the suspect was located and placed under arrest. The 16-year-old suspect was charged as an adult with Attempted First and Second-Degree Murder, Assault first and second degree, Use of a Firearm in a Violent Crime and Possession of a Firearm by a Minor.

Due to a recent change in Maryland law, the juvenile will not be identified by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and no booking photo will be released until a waiver hearing is conducted to determine the jurisdiction of this case.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Warren Forinash at 301-475-4200, ext. 8072, or email Warren.Forinash@stmaryscountymd.gov.

Do Your Part to Prevent Vehicle Theft

 

Numerous vehicle thefts and stealing items from within vehicles have recently been reported throughout St. Mary's County. Sheriff Steve Hall urges drivers to be vigilant by locking your vehicles and never leave your vehicle running while unattended.

Per Maryland Traffic Article § 21-1101 (a), a person driving or otherwise in charge of a motor vehicle may not leave it unattended until the engine is stopped, the ignition locked, the key removed, and the brake effectively set. This does not apply to a motor vehicle that has had the engine started using a remote keyless ignition system and has been operating unattended for up to 5 consecutive minutes or a motor vehicle that is locked and is on private property not open to the public (such as the driveway of your residence), up to 5 consecutive minutes.

Keep your vehicle's doors locked at all times, especially overnight. Thieves have easy access to steal your property or your vehicle if they only have to open the door.

This month, the rash of recent vehicle burglaries and thefts have been a direct result of unlocked doors and several with spare keys left inside.

In addition, keep valuables out of plain view inside of a vehicle, or better yet, do not store any valuables in a vehicle.

When possible, keep your vehicle parked in a well-lit area with video camera surveillance.

Call the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office at 301-475-8008 to report a vehicle theft or breaking and entering, or make a report online at https://www.firstsheriff.com/citizenreport/

Sign Up for Free Child Safety Seat Installation on July 13, 2023

 

Is your child safety seat installed correctly? Not Sure? Are you about to become a parent? Let a National Certified Child Safety Seat Tech, including Sheriff's Office deputies, teach you how to install your seat correctly and safely. The event will be held at the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad at 21685 FDR Boulevard in Lexington Park on Thursday, July 13, 2023, from 3 pm to 6 pm. 

Please:

1) Schedule one appointment per child. Important: If you have more than one child, make another appointment during the next time slot (i.e. 3 p.m. for the first child and 3:30 p.m. for the second child. Also if you have more than one vehicle please sign up for a second appointment slot.

2) For a successful appointment, pre-install your car seat(s) to the best of your ability and bring both the car seat and vehicle manuals.

Sign up for the free installation at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a054caba729a3f49-january#/ 

Deputies Complete K-9 Decoy Course

 

Deputy Joseph Senatore trains with K-9 Skar 

Deputies with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office recently completed a two-day course of instruction in Police Canine Behavior and Decoy Techniques. The course objective was to develop a basic understanding of canine behaviors and drives. Officers learned basic decoy techniques utilizing different pieces of training equipment, such as the bite suit and exposed sleeve. Upon completion of the training, deputies are placed on the Sheriff’s Office K-9 support team. The K-9 support team assists current K-9 handlers with their training as well as K-9 deployments, while responding to calls for service.

DFC Michael Rycyzyn, Deputy Travis Wimberly and Deputy Joseph Senatore successfully completed the course last week.

Deputy Travis Wimberly and K-9 Dyno 

K-9 Skar and Deputy Senatore 

DFC Rycyzyn, Deputy Wimberly and Deputy Senatore upon completion of decoy training 

Fatal Collision in Budds Creek Under Investigation

 

A 19-year-old man was killed in a motor vehicle collision on Friday, June 16,2023, as the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office continues the investigation.

 On Friday, June 16, 2023, at 9:43 am, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Patrol deputies were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck in the area of Budds Creek Road and Aviation Yacht Club Road in Budds Creek with CPR in progress.

 The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit was contacted and continued the investigation. Preliminary investigation determined that a 2017 Chevrolet truck and trailer was traveling westbound and making a right-hand turn into a driveway when a 2005 Harley motorcycle, operated by Michael Robert Benenati, age 19 of Mechanicsville, also traveling westbound, struck the truck on the rear passenger’s side. Benenati and his passenger, Ashlyn Nicole Summers, age 18 of Charlotte Hall, were ejected from the motorcycle.

 Benenati was transported to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital by ambulance where he was later pronounced deceased. Summers was transported by air to a regional trauma center for incapacitating injuries.

 At this time, operator error appears to be a factor in the collision.

 Anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or any events leading up to it, and has not already provided a statement, is asked to call Cpl. Rachael Roszell at 301-475-4200, ext. 8108 or email rachael.roszell@stmaryscountymd.gov.

 

California Man Arrested on Rape, Sex Offense Charges

 

Michael Tran

A California man was arrested on Thursday, June 15, 2023, by St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office detectives and charged with rape and a sexual offense. 

Michael Tran, age 19 of California, has been charged with Second-Degree Rape and a Third-Degree Sex Offense. 

On June 15, 2023, Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a sexual assault call at a residence in California. The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division continued the investigation and determined that Tran engaged in sexual activity with a 12-year-old victim during a social function held on June 14, 2023. 

Tran was arrested on Thursday and transported to the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown. 

Identity Needed for Burglary Suspects

 
The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identities of the persons pictured in a burglary investigation. On Sunday, June 4, 2023, at 12:37 am, two suspects broke a window to the Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Lexington Park to gain entry to the building. One suspect entered the building as the other stood by outside. Upon entry, one suspect looked throughout the building, but was unable to access any specific items. The suspects then fled on foot toward Valley Drive in Lexington Park. 

Anyone with information about the identities of the suspects or this incident is asked to call Deputy Ryan McLean at 301-475-4200, ext. 8181 or email ryan.mclean@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 29678-23 

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. 

Sheriff’s Deputy Injured in Assault, Suspect Held Without Bond

 

Sheriff Steve Hall awards Deputy Devin Absher with the Sheriff's Office Purple Heart medal 

On Monday, June 12, 2023, at 2:12 am, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 21600 block of Great Mills Road in Lexington Park for the report of an assault in progress involving Antoine Keith Mackall III, age 29 of no fixed address, attacking several victims inside of a residence. Patrol Deputy Devin Absher was the first to arrive on the scene and heard a loud disturbance. Deputy Absher observed Mackall exit the apartment and run towards the wood line.

A foot chase ensued and Mackall attempted to jump a fence. At the fence line, Mackall punched Deputy Absher in the face multiple times and ran toward the woods. Despite the violent assault against him, Deputy Absher continued the pursuit and was able to successfully take the suspect into custody. Upon a search of Mackall, a glass smoking device with suspected crack cocaine was located on his person.

A medical assessment of Deputy Absher determined he needed to be flown to a trauma unit as a result of his injuries. He was later released and is recovering at home.

On Tuesday, Sheriff Steve Hall visited Deputy Absher at his home and awarded him with a Sheriff’s Office Purple Heart Medal.

“This is an example of a 21st-century police officer,” Sheriff Hall said. “Deputy Absher is fueled by a passion to serve. He’s directed by his training, and he’s defined by the courage to get the job done, no matter what. This is the danger deputies face. These are the blows they’re willing to take for the people in this community,” the Sheriff continued. “I am inspired.”

Mackall is charged with Second-Degree Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer; four counts of Second-Degree Assault on multiple victims; Resisting/Interfere with Arrest; two counts of Malicious Destruction of Property less than $1,000; Failure to Obey a Lawful Order; CDS Possession: Cocaine and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

Mackall is currently held on a no-bond status at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown.

Deputies, State Troopers Working Together to Enforce Traffic Rt. 235

 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Traffic Safety Unit in cooperation with the Maryland State Police continue to patrol for speeding, reckless driving and distracted driving along the Route 235. 

Deputies with the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Traffic Safety Unit made 22 vehicle stops during commuting hours for Naval Air Station Patuxent River, resulting in 13 traffic citations, 13 warnings and one repair order. 

In addition, last week Maryland State Police made 28 traffic stops, resulting in eight traffic citations, 26 warnings and one equipment repair order. Of those 28 stops, 15 of them were directly related to distracted driving offenses, including drivers illegally using their cellphones. 

On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, St. Mary's Sheriff's Office deputies and Maryland State Troopers combined resources and conducted joint traffic enforcement on Route 235. That day, 10 vehicles were stopped, resulting in five traffic citations, nine warnings and three equipment repair orders. 

More joint traffic enforcement initiatives are planned this month in June between the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office and Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack.  

Use only hands-free devices when talking on cellphones, obey the posted speed limits and give yourself enough space between vehicles to provide adequate reaction time to avoid a collision.

Photo courtesy of Johnathan Douglass 

 

 

Deputies Speak to G.W. Carver Students for Career Day

 

Cpl. Lacey Smith shows K-9 Brix to a fourth-grade class at George Washington Carver Elementary School 

St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office deputies and other emergency first responders spent the day with students at George Washington Carver Elementary School on Thursday last week for the school's career day. 

Students asked questions about police work and how Sheriff's Office K-9s are used. It was the last public presentation for K-9 Brix, an 8-year-old drug detection canine, who is retiring at the end of June. 

"These dogs are here for officer safety and a location tool," Cpl. Smith said. 

In addition, students were introduced to 1-year-old K-9 Kane, one of the agency's newest explosive-detecting dogs.

Cpl. Smith and K-9 Kane 

Students also heard from Sheriff's Office deputies Bianca Salas and DFC Alexander Wynnyk about the daily duties and responsibilities of being a police officer. 

Deputy Bianca Salas and DFC Alexander Wynnyk take questions from students 

Deputy Salas demonstrates protective gear to students 

DFC Alvey Named School Resource Officer of the Year

 

Superintendent of Schools J. Scott Smith, DFC Artina Alvey and Principal Glenna Edwards

The St. Mary's County Board of Education recognized the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office School Resource Officers and school security staff at its Wednesday meeting for their work to keep the learning environment for students safe and secure throughout the year. 

Deputy First Class Artina Alvey, the School Resource Officer for Margaret Brent Middle School, was named as the School Resource Officer of the Year for the 2022-2023 school year. 

"Deputy Alvey has been an exemplary employee, a trusted colleague and an advocate for our students and their families," said F. Michael Wyant, Chief of Safety and Security for St. Mary's County Public Schools, reading from Margaret Brent Middle School's nomination. 

"She helps to de-escalate students with her calm and professional manner," the nomination stated. "She's an integral and trusted part of the school community, providing mentorship as well as a sense of safety." 

Superintendent of Schools J. Scott Smith told the School Resource Officers and Department of Safety and Security staff, "Thank you very much for all you do every single day to make sure that we can get on with the business of educating children because we know they are safe within our schools." 

Superintendent Smith, Cpl. Jaime Davis and Assistant Principal James Copsey 

Superintendent Smith, Cpl. Shaun Carberry and Principal Deborah Dennie 

Superintendent Smith, DFC Robert Chase and Principal Consalvo 

School Resource Officers and Department of Safety and Security staff 

Identity Needed for Theft Suspect

 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the man pictured in a theft investigation. On Friday, June 2, 2023, at 10:25 am, the suspect entered the California Walmart and placed several items in a backpack that he brought with him into the store. The suspect then picked up a few small items, went through the self-checkout register and paid for the small items, but kept more expensive items hidden in his backpack. While attempting the leave the store, loss prevention staff confronted the suspect, but he fled. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to contact Deputy Max Schell at 301-475-4200, ext. 8161 or email max.schell@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 29246-23 

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.

Eleven of 12 Businesses Pass Alcohol Compliance Checks

 

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Alcohol Enforcement Unit recently conducted a series of alcohol compliance checks at 12 businesses in northern and central St. Mary’s County. Eleven of the establishments were found to be compliant, while one business failed to ask an underage person for identification.

The covert compliance checks were conducted on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, starting at 3 pm, utilizing an underage individual. The 19-year-old was wearing plain clothes, carried no identification and was directed to enter each establishment to order or retrieve an alcoholic beverage, in an effort to make a purchase.

Of the 12 businesses visited, 11 (92 percent) were found in compliance with Maryland law and required identification from the underage person. One business failed to ask for identification or failed to corroborate the person’s age and the underage individual was able to purchase an alcoholic beverage underage.

The businesses found in compliance were: Big Dogs’ Paradise in Mechanicsville; Capt. Sam’s in Bushwood; Cooks Liquor in Hollywood; DJ’s One Stop Shop in Mechanicsville; Fred’s Liquor in Charlotte Hall; Lighthouse in Charlotte Hall; Race-N In in Budds Creek; St. Mary’s Gas Station in Clements; Third Base Store in Loveville; Village Liquors in Chaptico and Vino 2 Wine & Liquor in Charlotte Hall.

The one business that failed the compliance check was Chaptico Market in Chaptico.

The alcohol violation report was forwarded to the St. Mary’s County Alcohol Beverage Board for review.

Traffic Enforcement Initiative, Sheriff Hall Issues Statement on Wednesday’s Fatal Crash

 

Cpl. Ken Flerlage on a traffic stop in Lexington Park

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Unit has been regularly patrolling the Route 235 corridor during the morning and evening commutes to and from Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Deputies are on the lookout for speeding, distracted driving and aggressive driving.

On Thursday afternoon, Cpl. Ken Flerlage stopped one driver after another in the span of two hours. Asked what infractions he sees the most on that section of highway, Cpl. Flerlage said it’s “speeding and phones – both of them.” Drivers don’t immediately notice the new Ford Explorer cruisers with subdued reflective decals, used by the Traffic Safety deputies.

On Wednesday, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to and investigated a fatal crash on Rt. 235 in Mechanicsville. Witnesses reported speeding vehicles caused a chain reaction of collisions, which took the life of 33-year-old Jaleisa Lynn Wilcox of Lusby. The victim was traveling on Rt. 235 in a separate vehicle not related in any way to the speeding cars.

After receiving a briefing of the fatal collision, Sheriff Steve Hall had this message for the public.

“The privilege to drive doesn’t supersede another’s right to drive on our roadways without fear of being seriously injured or worse,” the Sheriff said. “These are roadways; they are not raceways.”

“This selfishness has got to stop. Our actions, especially as drivers on our roadways, impacts others. This flagrant disregard for the safety of fellow travelers is disgusting,” he continued.

“The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office will intensify our traffic enforcement initiatives to include combined operations with the Maryland State Police,” the Sheriff said.

“In partnership with the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, we will ensure that drivers charged with impaired, distracted, reckless or aggressive driving are held accountable within the parameters of the law,” Sheriff Hall said.

“We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jaleisa Wilcox and to all affected by the tragic crash. We ask that you remember the victim and those impacted every time you start your car,” he said.

Cpl. Flerlage observes a driver using a cellphone

Cpl. Flerlage on a traffic stop on Route 235 

Sheriff Hall Promotes Deputies, Lt. Moses Named Captain

 

Sheriff Steve Hall and Captain Shawn Moses 

Sheriff Steve Hall is proud to announce the well-deserved promotion of several St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office deputies. 

Lieutenant Shawn Moses was promoted to Captain of the Administrative Division on June 1, 2023, responsible for the oversight of the personnel section, records section, fiscal section, property unit and police services.  

In reaching the rank of Captain, "this is the highest level of accomplishment," Sheriff Hall told Capt. Moses. "It's also the highest level of accountability." 

Capt. Moses began his career with the St. Mary's Sheriff's Office in 2002 as a student intern while attending St. Mary's College of Maryland. He was hired as a deputy sheriff in 2004 and served in the Patrol Division from 2005 to 2008. In 2008, Deputy Moses was transferred to the Vice/Narcotics Division and was promoted to Deputy First Class. In 2010, he was promoted to Corporal and promoted again in 2015 to Sergeant. 

In 2018, Sgt. Moses joined the Special Operations Division where he oversaw the Lexington Park and Leonardtown COPs Unit. In 2021, Sgt. Moses was tasked with developing a strategic enforcement plan called the Youth Gun Violence Task Force, which later became the Criminal Intelligence Unit within the Criminal Investigations Division. 

In July 2021, Sgt. Moses was promoted to Lieutenant and joined the Criminal Investigations Division as the Assistant Commander. 

Sheriff Hall and Lt. Sheena Tirpak 

Sgt. Sheena Tirpak was promoted to Lieutenant on June 1, 2023. 

"You have the trust of this agency. You have the trust of this community," Sheriff Hall told Lt. Tirpak. "You are an instrument to navigate the future of this agency." 

Crime Lab Technician Carleigh Hill and DFC Nicholas Hill 

Deputy Nicholas Hill was promoted to Deputy First Class on May 18, 2023. 

Sheriff Hall and DFC Michael Walker 

Deputy Michael Walker is promoted to Deputy First Class, effective on June 3, 2023. 

Identity Needed for Theft Suspect

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the man pictured in a theft investigation. On Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 2:40 pm, the suspected entered a rear door to The Beanery in the Hickory Hills Shopping Center in California and stole an employee's personal belongings. The suspect was riding a bicycle behind the store when he accessed an open door to the business, grabbed the personal belongings and then fled on the bicycle in an unknown direction. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to contact Deputy Casey Hill at 301-475-4200, ext. 8112 or email casey.hill@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 23470-23

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.

Captain Yingling Retires from Sheriff's Office After 25 Years of Steadfast Service

 

Sheriff Steve Hall hands Captain David Yingling his retirement credentials on Wednesday

Captain David Yingling #101, Commander of the Administrative Division of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, retired from the agency on June 1, 2023 after more than 25 years of public service. 

Capt. Yingling started his career with the Sheriff's Office as a deputy in 1998 and reached every rank during his tenure. In 2017, he was appointed as Captain of the Patrol Division and served as the Interim Assistant Sheriff in 2022. 

"You all are family and it's been an honor serving with you," Capt. Yingling told commanders and staff on Wednesday. 

"David's retirement represents not just the turning of a page in our shared and storied history," Sheriff Steve Hall said, "It's the end of a chapter within which are tales of great mystery, intrigue, drama, toil and heroism." 

Through his 25-year career, "if there was an important task or critical mission, David always wanted to be a part of it," the Sheriff said. 

"We wish you every happiness and success with Godspeed and good luck in many years of good health in your well-earned retirement," the Sheriff said. 

Capt. Yingling makes the Final Walk through headquarters 

Capt. Yingling addresses officers and professional staff 

St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Commanders 

Identity Needed for Strong-Armed Robbery Suspect

 
The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the man pictured in a strong-armed robbery investigation. On Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at 12:04 am, the suspect entered the Charlotte Hall Exxon, asked for two packs of cigarettes and held a counterfeit bill, giving the appearance of intent to pay. Once the clerk had the cigarettes within reach, the suspect grabbed the clerk's arm, trying to take the cigarettes. Failing to get them, the suspect fled the store. 

Soon afterward, the suspect forced entry to the Dollar General store in Charlotte Hall and stole a large quantity of cigarettes and then fled in an unknown direction. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to contact Deputy Donald Shubrooks at 301-475-4200, ext. 8176 or email donald.shubrooks@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 28794-23 

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.