Southern Maryland News Net

State Fire Marshal Investigating Suspected Arson in St. Mary’s Square

On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at approximately 2:10 p.m., firefighters from Bay District, Second District, Hollywood, Leonardtown and Solomons responded to the St. Mary’s Square located at 21600 Great Mills Road, for the reported structure fire. Crews arrived on the scene to find smoke showing from the rear of the 1-story stripmall. Firefighters found multiple wooden pallets on fire located on the loading dock of the Potomac Total Fitness to the rear of the building. The fire was extinguished...
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Police Investigating Student That Brought a Shotgun to Leonardtown High School

On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, a member of the administration from Leonardtown High School received a report that a student may have a weapon in his vehicle. They immediately notified the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, School Resource Officer and the Department of Safety & Security of this report. A search of the student’s vehicle was conducted and a .410 shotgun was recovered. The gun was unloaded, it is unknown if any ammunition was recovered. This student will be...
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Summer Boost and Summer School Set for Charles County Public School Students

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) is preparing for summer with academic programs such as Summer Boost for elementary school students and Summer School for middle and high school students. High school students who have at least one year of high school under their belt who are looking to get ahead for the upcoming school year can take one original class credit virtually this summer. And for the youngest learners, story hours will be offered in July and held at five locations...
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Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Welcomes 6 New Deputies

On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, six new deputies were sworn in by the honorable Kathy P. Smith (Clerk of the Circuit Court), pinned, and signed their Oath of Office during the Calvert Board of County Commissioners’ public meeting. Calvert deputies will join their classmates from the St. Mary’s County and Charles County Sheriff’s Offices for a final inspection and graduation exercise on Friday, April 26, 2024, as graduates of the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy, Police Entrance Level Training...
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Police in Charles County Arrest Four Suspects for Armed Robbery and Recover a Loaded Handgun – All Released on Personal Recognizance

On April 13, 2024, at 10:06 p.m., officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Meadow Lane in Waldorf for the report of a citizen armed robbery. The caller, a male victim,stated he was robbed and the suspects fled in a white Camero. While responding, Charles County Sheriff’s Office broadcast a lookout for the suspect vehicle and Pfc. Karopchinsky located a vehicle matching the description on Berry Road turning on to Crain Highway northbound. Karopchinsky...
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UPDATE: Former Substitute Teacher Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Multiple Counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Fourth-Degree Sexual Offense

4/16/2024: Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Monday, April 15, 2024, Charles County Circuit Court Judge H. James West sentenced Malcolm Fluellyn, 27, of Bryans Road, to 46 years in prison with all but 15 years suspended for two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor and six counts of Fourth-Degree Sexual Offense. Fluellyn will be on supervised probation for five years upon release. On February 26, 2024, Fluellyn entered a guilty plea to the...
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St. Mary’s County Sheriffs Office Investigating 3 Car Collision in Leonardtown

n April 15, 2024, at 5:25 p.m., St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputies as well as Fire and Rescue were dispatched to the intersection of Newtowne Neck Road and Wathen Road in Leonardtown, MD, for the report of an automobile collision involving three vehicles: a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado, a 2014 Toyota Highlander, and a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The initial investigation determined that the Silverado, driven by Salvador Martinez Gonzalez, 34, was traveling North on Newtowne Neck Road. The...
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Citizens Advised of Ruptured Pipe, Large Leak and Spill of “Sludge” at Solomons Wastewater Treatment Plant

The Department of Public Works, Water and Sewer Division advises citizens that a ruptured pipe at Solomons Wastewater Treatment Plant, located at 500 Sweetwater Road in Lusby, led to an accidental spill of sludge. There is no impact to drinking water. Upon discovering the leak, staff followed protocol, turned the pumps off and closed the valves, initiating immediate cleanup procedures. To mitigate environmental impact, lime was applied over the affected area. It was determined that approximately 17,500 gallons of...
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Jury Convicts Second Man for First-Degree Murder at Hollywood Carnival

On Monday, April 15, 2024, a St. Mary’s County jury found Thomas Moreland, 21, of Lexington Park, Maryland, guilty of first-degree murder for his participation in the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department’s carnival shooting that took the life of one 16-year-old and left another teenage victim suffering from two gunshot wounds. “The annual Hollywood Carnival is a treasured family tradition, but on July 15, 2022, the Defendant, along with others, orchestrated and executed a nightmarish event for those in attendance...
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Police in Charles County Arrest Man Who Made Threats of Violence Toward a Church

On April 14, 2024, at 7:56 a.m., patrol officers from the Charles County Sherff’s Office received a call from a concerned citizen about a man posting numerous posts on social media threatening to take a gun to a church on St. Peter’s Church Road. The caller advised the back-to-back posts appeared to be threatening. As officers were responding to the church, the suspect went live on the social media site and continued to make statements and indicated he was...
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UPDATE: Lexington Park Man Arrested After Stabbing Victim Multiple Times Over Spilt Drink, Sending Victim to Area Trauma Center

UPDATE: Charging documents added. On Sunday, April 14, 2024, at approximately 12:06 a.m., police responded to a disturbance at Paradise Bar and Lounge (formally Cadillac Jacks) located at 21367 Great Mills Road in Lexington Park. Upon arrival, deputies located a 64-year-old male victim laying in the parking lot suffering from multiple stab wounds to his chest and abdomen. As they began to render aid to the victim, he stated that while playing pool inside of the bar, the victim...
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Maryland State Police Investigating Fatal Collision Involving a 28-Year-Old Pedestrian in Hughesville

On Saturday, April 13, 2024, at approximately 12:01 a.m., Troopers from Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack responded to Maryland Route 5 in the area of Wolfe Drive, in Hughesville, for a report of a serious motor vehicle collision. Due to the circumstances, a Collision Reconstruction Specialist (CRS) was requested and TFC. J. Engleman, of the MSP Leonardtown Barrack responded to assume the investigation. A preliminary investigation conducted by Troopers from the MSP La Plata Barrack and the Collision...
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Charles County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Arrest Suspect in Connection with Burglary at Waldorf Firehouse

On April 11, 2024, detectives assigned to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit, along with members of the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Emergency Services Team, and detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., served search warrants at two locations in Prince George’s County relating to an investigation of a burglary that occurred in February 2024, at a Waldorf Fire station in addition to other crimes committed in the metropolitan area. Through the investigation, detectives...
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Police Seeking Identity of Suspects Wanted for Murder of Trash Removal Employee

Homicide Unit detectives released images of the suspects and video of the car used in the recent murder of a trash removal company employee in the unincorporated section of Hyattsville. The victim is 30-year-old Idongesit Udosen of Lanham. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case. On April 4, 2024, at approximately 3:40 pm, officers responded to the 6800 block of Greenvale Parkway for a shooting. Officers...
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Charles County Drug Task Force Recovers Firearms and Large Quantities of Drugs

On April 9, 2024, detectives assigned to the Charles County Drug Task Force (CCDTF), with assistance from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Neighborhood Enforcement Team, K9, and Animal Control, served a search warrant relating to a drug investigation at an address in the 2600 block of Academic Court in Waldorf, and at a business in the 8000 block of Matthews Road in Bryans Road. During the search, investigators recovered two handguns, an assault rifle in pistol form, an AK-style...
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Last Day of School for Charles County Students Set for June 10th; Last Day for Teachers is June 11, 2024

The last day of school for Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students for the 2023-2024 school year is Monday, June 10. The last day of school for teachers is Tuesday, June 11. These dates are final, barring any unforeseen inclement weather as CCPS still has two inclement weather days left for use if needed....
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St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint on Friday, April 19

To mitigate alcohol-related accidents and their devastating consequences, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) will conduct a roadside sobriety checkpoint on Friday evening, April 19, 2024, along Route 235, in the vicinity of Hollywood and California. Deputies will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Providing advance notice of these checkpoints...
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Historic St. Mary’s City Free Plant Swap Day – Saturday, April 20, 2024

All plant lovers! The Historic St. Mary’s City is hosting an absolutely FREE Plant Swap this Saturday, April 20, 2024, and you’re all invited! From 9:30 a.m., to 11:00 a.m., rain or shine located at the Margaret Brent Pavilion. 47414 Old State House Road. St. Mary’s City. If you’re wondering what a Plant Swap...
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Health Department Tips and Information to Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS/SUID)

Even though we don’t know the exact cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), we know that some things can increase a baby’s risk for SIDS/SUID and other sleep-related causes of infant death. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the risk. Families and caregivers...
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Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack Seeking Identities of Theft Suspects

The Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack is investigating a theft from the Dollar General, located at 30547 Potomac Way, Charlotte Hall, MD that occurred on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at approximately 2:00 pm. The suspects stole over $200 worth of goods from the establishment. Parts of the license plate affixed to the vehicle were...
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Hopefulness Lights Up Lexington Park

An ambitious public art project has been installed on the grounds of the Church of the Ascension and will be unveiled and lit for the first time at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 19th. The public is encouraged to gather in the parking lot to celebrate the lighting of the Hopeful Project sign. The...
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Maryland State Police Accepting Applications For 2024 Leadership And Career Development Seminar

The Maryland Department of State Police announces that applications are now being accepted for the fourth annual Leadership and Career Development Seminar, which will take place from July 12-14, 2024. The goal of the free event is to develop interest and introduce high school rising juniors and seniors and incoming college freshmen to career opportunities...
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Maryland Wildfires – Safety Precautions and Tips to Take

By RVFD Vice President / Lieutenant Scot Best: Every year, wildfires burn across the United States, and a growing number of people are living where wildfires are a real risk. In 2023, more than 55,500 fires burned over 2.6 million acres across the U.S. More than 4,318 structures were destroyed, including 3,060 residences, 1,228...
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Prince George’s County Police Department Investigating Non-Fatal Police Involved Shooting Involving Forest Heights Officer

At the request of the Forest Heights Police Department, the Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating a non-fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Monday evening. The suspect, 35-year-old Jhomari Delevante of Silver Spring, is charged in connection with the incident. The preliminary investigation revealed on April 15, 2024, at approximately 5:30 pm, officers with...
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Calvert County Explains Their Implemented Centralized Emergency Medical Services Ambulance Transport Services Billing System

Calvert County has implemented a centralized Emergency Medical Services Ambulance Transport Services Billing System, also known as a soft billing system. This program officially began Jan. 1, 2023. Under this new system, citizens will not be required to pay ambulance costs regardless of insurance coverage or lack of insurance. Although patients may receive paperwork...
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Henry Lackey High School Staff Member Injured and Transported to Hospital After Student Fight

On Monday, April 15, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., two students were engaged in an alteration inside Henry Lackey High School. The fight caused a large crowd to gather and resulted in a school staff member being injured while trying to separate the students. The staff member was transported to a hospital for treatment of...
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Suspect Shot by Police After Home Invasion and Stabbing Over A Money Dispute

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit charged a suspect in connection with a stabbing and home invasion which occurred prior to a non-fatal officer-involved shooting on Sunday in District Heights. The suspect is 40-year-old Raphael Coates of District Heights. On April 14, 2024, at approximately 9:55 am, officers responded to a home...
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Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department Regrets to Announce Passing of Past Member John A. Candela

The Officers and Members of the LVFD regrets to announce the passing of our past member John A. Candela. Jack served the department for over seventeen years as an active member. During that time, he served as Treasurer for a number of years. He was a faithful member always working at the annual carnival...
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Juvenile Arrested and Charged as Adult After Search Warrant Finds Handgun with Large Magazine

On April 12, 2024, following an investigation, Detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Intelligence Unit served a search and seizure warrant at a residence in the 21000 block of Stoney Brook Court in Lexington Park. Police recovered a Polymer 80 handgun equipped with a high-capacity magazine. Subsequently, a juvenile suspect was...
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Dinner & Cruise Series Returns to St. Clement’s Island Museum This Sunday, April 21st, 2024!

St. Mary’s County Government’s Museum Division is pleased to announce the 2024 Dinner and a Cruise Series. These themed cruises offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy a fun evening of cruising on the St. Clement’s Island Water Taxi, a delicious seafood dinner, and a dessert reception. The run of seven cruises kicks off on...
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Patuxent Tidewater Land Trust Secures 413 Acres of Land in St. Mary’s County

Leonardtown, Maryland 4/14/2024 release: With the addition of 413 acres in mid-February Patuxent Tidewater Land Trust has closed on its newest conservation easement. The property belonging to the Greenwell Catholic Trust on Jones Wharf Road in the Huntersville Rural Legacy Area contains numerous wooded tracts and abuts tidal water and open waters at the...
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One Transported to Hospital After Head-on Collision Involving Calvert County School Bus

On Friday, April 12, 2024, at approximately 8:47 a.m., police, fire and rescue personnel responded to the area of Catalina Drive and Comstock Drive in Lusby, for the motor vehicle collision involving a school bus. Crews arrived on the scene to find a head on style collision between an Occupied School Bus and a...
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