Traffic Tip Tuesdays: Cellphone Use While Driving

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

Cellphone use behind the wheel:

In general, texting and using hands to operate a cellphone is prohibited while driving.

Sec. 21-1124.1 Text messaging prohibited. “An individual may not use a text messaging device to write, send, or read a text message or an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle in the travel portion of the roadway.”

Sec. 21-1124.2 Communications Traffic Safety Act. “A driver of a motor vehicle that is in motion may not use the driver’s hands to use a handheld telephone other than to initiate or terminate a wireless telephone call or to turn on or turn off the handheld telephone.”

Those under 18 years of age are not permitted to use a wireless communications device while operating a motor vehicle with the exception of a 911 call.

General exceptions: Emergency use of a handheld telephone, including calls to a 911 system, a hospital, an ambulance service provider, a fire department, a law enforcement agency or a first-aid squad. Law-enforcement personnel and emergency personnel are also exempted.

A driver texting while operating a vehicle faces a fine of $70 and one point on a driver’s license or $110 and three points if contributing to an accident.

A driver using hands to use a handheld telephone while motor vehicle is in motion faces fines of $83 to $160, plus three points on a license if contributing to an accident.

Use of a text messaging device or handheld telephone while driving that causes an accident that directly results in the death or serious bodily injury of another person is 12 points on a license and the driver must appear in court.

On View Arrest/Warrants/DUIs

On View Arrest:

Assault-  On January 16, 2019, Dep. Westphal responded to the 22000 block of Valley Estates Drive in Lexington Park, for the reported assault.  Investigation determined Dayvon Malik Johnson, age 21 of Lexington Park, pushed and grabbed the victim around the neck, causing visible injury.  Johnson was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree.  CASE# 2928-19

Dayvon Malik Johnson 

Warrants:

01/09/19-  Jeremy Jonathan Uber, age 33 of Prince Frederick, was arrested an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation by Dep. Shelko# 326.  CASE# 1871-19

Jeremy Jonathan Uber 

01/14/19-  Desiree Nicole Thompson, age 29 of Lexington Park, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Theft by Cpl. Beishline# 252.   CASE# 2677-19

Desiree Nicole Thompson 

01/14/19-  William Franklin Tanner, age 21 of Lexington Park, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Theft by Dep. Henry# 333.  CASE# 2672-19

William Franklin Tanner 

01/14/19-  Jens Edwin Hanson, age 43 of Ridge, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Escape 2nd Degree by Dep. Budd# 325.  CASE# 2689-19

Jens Edwin Hanson 

01/14/19-  Nadine Veronica Knight, age 26 with no fixed address, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation by Dep. Henry# 333.  CASE# 2681-19

Nadine Veronica Knight 

01/14/19-  Anthony Charles Wright, age 49 of Lexington Park, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Alcoholic Beverage in Public by DFC. Pontorno# 257.  CASE# 2907-19

01/15/19-  Jamal NMN Clark Sr., age 49 of Waldorf, was arrested on outstanding warrants for Child Support and Driving While Suspended by Dep. Shelko# 326.  CASE# 2951-19

Jamal NMN Clark 

01/16/19-  Anna Sophia Van As-Hicks, age 34 of Leonardtown, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for FTA/Driving Under the Influence by Cpl. C. Beyer# 246.  CASE# 3088-19

Anna Sophia Van As-Hicks 

01/16/19-  Patrick Neal Boothe, age 33 of Drayden, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for CDS Possession-not Marijuana by Dep. T. Snyder# 342.  CASE# 3089-19

Patrick Neal Boothe 

DUIs:

1/13/19-  Cpl. Pesante responded to the 22090 block of Newtowne Neck Road in Leonardtown for the reported single vehicle collision.  The operator Meghann Emily Abraham, age 27 of Leoanrdtown, was determined to be under the influence of alcohol.  Abraham was charged with Driving Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol and Driving Vehicle While Intoxicated.  CASE# 2640-19

Meghann Emily Abraham 

01/15/19-  Dep. Westphal responded to the 43000 block of Wildewood Parkway in California, for a vehicle in the roadway, with the operator passed out.  Dep. Westphal observed the vehicle in the middle of the roadway, with the vehicle running and in drive; the operator of the vehicle had their foot on the brake, however was passed out.  After being awoken, the driver was identified as Daiquarius Jorge Gantt, age 23 of Port Republic.  Gantt was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested.  After arriving at the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, a baggie of suspected marijuana and two additional baggies of containing suspected crack cocaine were located on Gantt's person.  Gantt was charged with Driving Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Vehicle While Intoxicated, two counts of Possession of Contraband While in Place of Confinement -suspected Marijuana and Cocaine.  CASE# 2803-19

Daiquarius Jorge Gantt 

Follow the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office on Instagram

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is pleased to announce it is now on Instagram, an additional social media platform, to share photos with the public. Our Instagram username is stmaryssheriff. Log in and follow our agency for some fine illustrations of life on the job. Continue to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and on our blog site for official news and information. 

Sheriff's Office Employees Awarded

Select employees of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office were recognized for professional excellence during the third quarter of 2018 at a ceremony on Wednesday at office headquarters. The men and women recognized went above and beyond the call of duty, sometimes putting themselves in harm's way.

Employees of the Third Quarter:

Corrections Cpl. Dannette Barrow, left, Stephanie Bates, fiscal specialist, and Deputy Tyler Westphal were named as employees of the third quarter for 2018, pictured with Major Michael Merican. 

Meritorious Action: Deputy John Fenwick was awarded for his actions when he forced his way into the front seat of a vehicle in order to stop it, preventing damage to a home and harm to the children in the vehicle. 

Cpl. David Potter, not pictured, was also awarded for his actions in preventing a suspect from further causing harm to herself, possibly saving her life. 

Deputy John Fenwick, right, with Major Michael Merican

Lifesaving award: DFC Gerard Muschette and Deputy Carl Ball (not pictured) 

Commendation: Sgt. Michael Gray, Cpl. David Corcoran, Cpl. Brian Connelly, Cpl. William Rishel, Deputy Phillip Henry (pictured-right), Sgt. Cory Ellis (pictured-left), Cpl. Mark Howard, Cpl. Michael Labanowski, Cpl. Kevin Meyer, Glenda Thompson, Rhonda Wathen, Krista Holland, Laura DeNeale and Frances Gunn 

Sheriff's Salute: Cpl. Luis Ramos-Dompenciel, Lt. Michael Pilkerton, Lt. Brian Hartz, Krista Holland, Monica Thomas, Cpl. Ralph Butler, Cpl. John Kirkner, Cpl. William Rishel, DFC Lacey Smith, CFC Joseph Brennan, CO Jonathan Rosado, CO Alexander Tasciotti, CO Tiffany Smith and CO Helana Shokry

Team award: CFC Melissa Dodson, Kristie Ardire, Pretrial Services, and Cpl. Mickey Adkins 

On View Arrests/Warrants/DUI/Criminal Citations

On View Arrests:

Assault-  On January 10, 2019, Dep. Ball responded to the 21600 block of Liberty Street in Lexington Park, for the reported assault.  Investigation determined Donell Eugene Martin, age 48 of Lexington Park, assaulted the victim by striking the victim in the face, as well as injuring the victim's finger when he took the victim's cellphone.  Martin was placed under arrest and tensed up his arms preventing officers from handcuffing him. Martin pulled away from officers and once handcuffed, attempted to flee from deputies on scene.  Martin was charged with Assault 2nd Degree and Resisting Arrest.  CASE# 2089-19

Donell Eugene Martin

Assault/Reckless Endangerment-  On January 11, 2019, Dep. Edwards responded to the 20100 block of Olympia Court in Lexington Park, for the reported individual with a gun.  Juvenile victims advised they yelled at a vehicle speeding in the neighborhood at which time Edgar Clarence Watts, age 19 of Fort Washington, pulled the vehicle into a driveway and entered a residence.  The victims advised Watts then  came out with a handgun.  According the victims, Watts then began chasing them through the neighborhood with the weapon.  Watts was located and charged with Assault 1st & 2nd Degree, and Reckless Endangerment.  No weapon was recovered. CASE# 2275-19

Edgar Clarence Watts 

False Report-  On January 11, 2019, Cpl. Foor made contact with Anna Deborah Silva-Hudson, age 20 of Lusby in the 21000 block of Three Notch Road in Lexington Park, regarding a stolen vehicle.  Silva-Hudson stated her vehicle had been stolen several weeks ago, and she had been too busy to report it stolen to law enforcement.  Investigation determined Silva-Hudson had loaned her vehicle to an acquaintance,  and the vehicle had not been stolen. Silva-Hudson was arrested for False Statement to Officer.  CASE# 2293-19

Anna Deborah Silva-Hudson

Assault-  On January 11, 2019, Sgt. Boyer responded to the 22000 block of Oxford Court in Lexington Park, for the reported assault.  Investigation determined Charles Edward Taylor III, age 33 with no fixed address, punched the victim in the mouth.  There is also a valid protective order prohibiting Taylor from threatening or assaulting the victim.  Taylor was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree and Violate Protective Order.  CASE# 2286-19

Charles Edward Taylor III

Assault-  On January 12, 2019, Cpl. Seyfried responded to the 21300 block of Chancellors Run Road in Great Mills, for the check the welfare of a 911 open line with commotion in the background. Investigation determined Mark Wayne Williams, age 51 of Great Mills, had assaulted the victim by dragging the victim across the floor, striking the victim in the head and face, and pouring a beer on the victim's head. Williams also had an outstanding Charles County warrant for FTA/Possession of an Open Alcoholic Container in Public.  Williams was arrested and charged with Assault and served the outstanding warrant.  CASE# 2405-19

Mark Wayne Williams

Drug Arrest:  On January 12, 2019, Cpl. C. Beyer located a vehicle in the parking lot in the 27300 block of Three Notch Road in Mechanicsville.  The operator of the vehicle was slumped over the wheel, with a lighter in her hand.  The operator was determined to be Eileen Elizabeth McMahon, age 61 of Mechanicsville.  Located in McMahon's vehicle was a baggie containing suspected crack cocaine and a CDS smoking device.  McMahon was arrested and charged with CDS: Possession-Not Marijuana and CDS: Possession- Paraphernalia.  Arrest handled by Cpl. Pesante# 153. CASE# 2505-19

Eileen Elizabeth McMahon 

Assault:  On January 12, 2019, DFC. Roszell responded to the 38000 block of Golden Beach Road in Mechanicsville, for the reported assault.  Investigation determined Clements William Copsey III, age 41 of Mechanicsville, assaulted the victim during an argument by forcing the victim out of a chair, which caused to the victim to fall into a wall sustaining injury to the victim's lip.  Copsey was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree.  CASE# 2516-19

Clements William Copsey III

Warrants:

01/10/19-  Eric Vincent Moore, age 37 with no fixed address, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Escape 2nd Degree by Dep. Raley# 345.  CASE# 2037-19

Eric Vincent Moore 

01/10/19-  Markus Javar Handon, age 25 of California, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation by Dep. Budd# 325.  CASE# 1987-19

Markus Javar Handon 

01/11/19-  Robert Oscar Newland, age 32 of Lexington Park, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation by Dep. Westphal# 337.  CASE# 2172-19

Robert Oscar Newland 

01/11/19-  Michael Jonathan Kline, age 25 of St. Inigoes, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation/Theft by Cpl. Beyer# C. Beyer# 246.  CASE# 2187-19

Michael Jonathan Kline 

01/11/19-  Darwin Terrell Banks, age 46 of Lexington Park, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Burglary 2nd & 4th Degree, and Theft by Cpl. C. Beyer# 246.  CASE# 2186-19

Darwin Terrell Banks 

01/12/19-  Eugene Oliver Curtis, age 62 of Orlando, Florida, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for FTA/CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia by Cpl. D. Snyder# 89.  CASE# 2425-19

Eugene Oliver Curtis 

01/13/19-  Brooke Lyn Edmonds, age 23 of Laplata, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for FTA/CDS Possession-Not Marijuana by Dep. M. Beyer# 319.  CASE# 2560-19

Brooke Lyn Edmonds 

DUI:

01/12/19-  Dep. Forinash conducted a traffic stop in the 23300 block of Shady Mile Drive in California, and identified the operator to be Kenneth Wayne Abbott, age 47 of California.  It was determined Abbott was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol; Abbott was arrested and charged with Driving Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, and Driving Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol.  CASE# 2472-19

Kenneth Wayne Abbott 

Criminal Citations:

1/10/19-  Peter Edward Lahoste, age 28 of Great Mills, and Tyler Lewis Yates, age 26 of St. Inigoes, were charged with Theft via Criminal Citations by Cpl. Ruest, after placing items into their backpacks and attempting to leave the Target store.  CASE# 2085-19

Peter Edward Lahoste 

Tyler Lewis Yates 

Traffic Tip Tuesdays: Stopping for School Buses

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

Stopping for school buses:

Sec. 21-706. “If a school vehicle has stopped on a roadway and is operating the alternately flashing red lights … the driver of any other vehicle meeting or overtaking the school vehicle shall stop at least 20 feet from the rear of the school vehicle, if approaching the school vehicle from its rear, or at least 20 feet from the front of the school vehicle, if approaching the school vehicle from its front.”

When vehicles may proceed: “The driver of any other vehicle meeting or overtaking the school vehicle may not proceed until the school vehicle resumes motion or the alternately flashing red lights are deactivated.”

Drivers who run past a stopped school bus with its stop sign activated face a fine of $570 or three points on a driver’s license.

Vehicles on a divided highway do not need to stop for school buses if on the opposite side of the road's median: 

On View Arrests/Warrants/Criminal Citation

On View Arrests:

Violation of Protective Order-  On January 6, 2019, Dep. Henry responded to the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, for the reported protective order violation.  Investigation determined Willard Douglas Bright, age 54 of California, sent the victim a letter in violation of a valid court order prohibiting Bright from contacting the victim.  Bright was charged with Violate Protective Order.  CASE# 1119-19

Willard Douglas Bright 

Assault-  On January 8, 2019, Dep. Chase responded to the 46000 block of Midway Drive in Lexington Park, for the reported disturbance.  The victim advised Mark Anthony Baltimore, age 52 of Marbury, Maryland, brandished a knife and threatened the victim while the two were arguing over a cellphone. Baltimore became confrontational on the scene and began threatening the victim in Dep. Chase's presence.  Baltimore was advised he was under arrest, at which time Baltimore refused to place his hands behind his back.  After a brief struggle Baltimore was arrested and charged with Assault 1st and 2nd Degree, Resisting Arrest, and Disorderly Conduct.  CASE# 1462-19

Mark Anthony Baltimore 

Warrants:

01/06/19-  Rodney O'Neal Runnels, age 30 of Lexington Park, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Assault 2nd Degree by Cpl. Connelly# 151.  CASE# 1130-19

Rodney O'Neal Runnels 

01/06/19-  Jamie Lynn Kimble, age 28 of California, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Burglary 4th Degree and Malicious Destruction of Property by Dep. Raley# 345.  CASE# 1125-19

Jamie Lynn Kimble 

01/06/19-  Rodney Delray Taylor, age 52 of Hollywood, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Unauthorized Removal of Property, Theft, Malicious Destruction of Property, Attempting to Flee on Foot, Attempting to Flee in a Vehicle, Burglary 1st and 4th Degree, Impersonate a Police Officer, and Regulate Firearm: Stolen-Sell by Cpl. Connelly# 151.  CASE# 1137-19

Rodney Delray Taylor 

01/06/19-  Travis Nathaniel Nelson, age 34 of Lexington Park, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Escape 2nd Degree by DFC. Tirpak# 270.  CASE# 1193-19

Travis Nathaniel Nelson 

01/07/19-  Johnnie William Raines Jr., age 41 of Mechanicsville, was arrested on an outstanding Baltimore City warrant for FTA/Theft by Cpl. C. Beyer# 246. CASE# 1318-19

Johnnie William Raines Jr. 

01/07/19-  Antionette Kenbria Galloway, age 25 of St. Petersburg, Florida, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for FTA/Assault 2nd Degree by Cpl. C. Beyer# 246. 

Antionette Kenbria Galloway 

01/07/19-  Tyrone Corde Claggett, age 31 of Leonardtown, was arrested on an outstanding Indiana warrant for Robbery by Cpl. C. Beyer# 246.  CASE# 1318-19

Tyrone Corde Claggett

01/07/19-  Kristy Nichole Langston, age 33 of Baltimore, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for FTA/Child Support by Cpl. Kirkner# 133. CASE# 1362-19

Kristy Nichole Langston 

01/07/19-  Amanda Jane Brown, age 25 of Great Mills, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for FTA/Assault 2nd Degree, Theft, and Violate Exparte/Protective Order by Dep. Chase# 346.  CASE# 1400-19

Amanda Jane Brown 

01/07/19-  William Luke Ellis Jr., age 24 of Hollywood, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for FTA/Failure to Control Veh. Speed on Highway to Avoid Collision, and Theft by Cpl. Pesante# 153.  CASE# 1440-19

01/07/19-  Donald Levi Warrick Jr., age 30 of Lexington Park, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Arson/Threat, and Escape 2nd Degree by Dep. T. Snyder# 342.  CASE# 1346-19

Donald Levi Warrick Jr. 

01/08/19-  James William Thomas Burke, age 33 of Chaptico, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation/Armed Robbery by DFC. Holdsworth# 305.  CASE# 1458-19

James William Thomas Burke 

01/08/19-  Shawn Michael Miles, age 27 with no fixed address, was arrested on an outstanding Charles County warrant for Arson and Motor Vehicle Theft/Unlawful Taking by DFC. Muschette# 303.  CASE# 1576-19

01/09/19-  Blake William Biggers, age 25 of California, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Malicious Destruction of Property by DFC. Holdsworth# 305.  CASE# 1676-19

Blake William Biggers 

Criminal Citation: 

01/07/19-  Amy Marie Lovell, age 42 of Lexington Park, was charged with Theft via a criminal citation by Dep. M. Beyer,  after Lovell attempted to leave the Walmart store located in California, with merchandise that had not been purchased.  CASE# 1394-19 ( No Photograph Available)