Southern Maryland News Net

Washington Woman Arrested After Using Dead Person’s Identity to Buy a $52,000 Mercedes in Waldorf

Louisa Michelene Coles, 48, of Washington, D.C., has been charged with felony theft of $1,500 to less than $25,000, possession or use of a false government identification document, using another person’s identity to avoid identification or prosecution, and felony identity fraud involving property valued from $25,000 to less than $100,000. The charges stem from an attempt to purchase a $52,000 Mercedes-Benz SUV at a Waldorf dealership using the identity and financial information of a recently deceased woman. A Charles...
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Police Investigating Stabbing in Lexington Park, Helicopter Requested for Victim

On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at approximately 10:53 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 21000 block of Springwood Court in Lexington Park, for the reported stabbing. Crews arrived on the scene to find a 48-year-old male suffering from a stab wound to the upperbody. The victim was conscious alert and breathing. Upon consultation with an area trauma center, the patient was approved for aviation transport. The victim told First Responders he wasn’t going to say...
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Police Investigating Death of Teen in California After Reported Medical Emergency

On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at approximately 12:43 a.m., police firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 22000 block of Armsworthy Court in California, for the reported one not breathing. 911 callers reported a 14-year-old female was not breathing. Crews arrived on the scene within minutes of dispatch to confirm CPR was in progress. The patient, identified as a teen male, was quickly transported to the MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital with CPR still in progress. Deputies from the...
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Police Investigating Infants Death in Leonardtown After Reported Medical Emergency

On Monday, July 13, 2026, at approximately 4:05 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 39000 block of Lake Cecil Lane in Leonardtown, for the reported infant not breathing. 911 callers reported a 3-month old not breathing with CPR instructions being given. While police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the scene, the St. Mary’s Hospital and Maryland State Police Aviation Command were placed on standby and made aware of the incident. Police arrived on the...
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Lithium Ion Batteries Cause Second Structure Fire in Southern Maryland This Week

On Sunday, July 13, 2026, at approximately 9:10 p.m., firefighters from Charles and Prince George’s County responded to the 4000 block of Ray Drive in La Plata, for the reported structure on fire. 911 callers reported fire coming from the roof with unknown occupants inside. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find a large one story machine shop with smoke and fire showing. Crews made entry to find a fire inside the building with extensions to the exterior. A...
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Waldorf Man Struck by Vehicle After Stealing Necklace from Jewelry Store in St. Charles Mall

On June 29, 2026, at 11:27 a.m., a male suspect entered a jewelry store inside St. Charles Town Center and asked to view a necklace. After the employee handed it to him, the suspect fled on foot with the necklace. As he ran through the parking lot, the suspect was struck by a car that did not remain on the scene. Despite being injured, the suspect continued running and escaped the immediate area. While officers were investigating the theft,...
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Lusby Woman With Four Prior Felony Drug Convictions Over 25 Years Faces 13 New Cocaine Charges

Temeka Uganda Mason, 49, of Lusby, faces 13 new cocaine-related charges after Calvert County investigators say she sold cocaine from a home near Patuxent High School and used rental vehicles, social media and other people to support a drug-distribution operation. The new charges include four counts of possessing cocaine, three counts of distributing cocaine within 1,000 feet of school property, three counts of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute near school property, one count of possessing cocaine with intent...
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UPDATE: Suitland Man Arrested on Kidnapping Charge After Posing as a Police Officer and Handcuffing a Woman

UPDATE 7/13/2026: Bryan Neal Gordon, 27, of Suitland, faces charges of kidnapping, false imprisonment, second-degree assault, theft of less than $100, and soliciting prostitution following an investigation into allegations that an adult female victim was handcuffed, assaulted and taken from Charles County to Prince George’s County. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office began investigating after officers responded to Master Suites on Old Washington Road in Waldorf at approximately 3:28 a.m. on June 29, 2026, for a reported kidnapping and sexual...
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Police Investigating Kitten Thrown From Vehicle on Woodrow Wilson Bridge; Cat is Safely Rescue by Officer

On Sunday, July 12, 2026, officers from the Maryland-National Capital Park Police PG Division responded after a citizen reported witnessing an individual attempt to throw a cat from a moving vehicle while crossing the Woodrow Wilson bridge. Thanks to the quick report from the citizen and the swift compassionate response of the officer, the frightened kitten was safely rescued without injury and is now receiving the care it deserves. We commend the citizen for speaking up and our officer...
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Maryland State Police Investigating Triple Fatal Crash in Prince George’s County, Investigators Seeking Vehicle Information

Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred early Sunday morning in Prince George’s County that claimed the lives of three people. On Sunday, July 12, 2026, at approximately 12:45 a.m., Troopers from the Maryland State Police College Park Barrack responded to the area of Route 301 at Governors Park Lane for a report of a crash involving a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle. The preliminary investigation indicates that a black Tesla Model 3 was attempting to...
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No Injuries Reported After Lithium Ion Battery Explodes, Causing Garage Fire in California

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, at approximately 8:00 a.m., firefighters from Bay District Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to the 45000 block of Patuxent Lane in California, for the reported explosion investigation. 911 callers reported something exploded in their garage, with no smoke or fire, and no injuries reported. Three minutes later, the incident was upgraded to an explosion, non-dwelling structure fire after callers reported a fire in the garage. Police, emergency medical services, along with firefighters from Bay...
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UPDATE: Speed and Alcohol Factors in Serious Head-on Collision in Valley Lee

UPDATE 7/11/2026: On Friday, July 10, 2026, at approximately 3:55 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services were dispatched to a serious motor vehicle collision in the area of Piney Point Road and Drayden Road. Crews arrived to find two vehicles involved in a head-on collision, with two individuals trapped and one unconscious. The preliminary investigation indicates that a 2017 white Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Robert Lumpkins, 38, of Leonardtown, was traveling northbound on Piney Point Road when it...
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14 People Killed in Maryland Traffic Crashes, Including Eight in July 2026 So Far

Following a deadly Fourth of July holiday weekend, the Maryland Department of Transportation and Maryland State Police are urging motorists to drive safely throughout the remainder of the busy summer travel season by following these important safety reminders: Obey posted speed limits and slow down, especially in work zones. Move over for any vehicle with flashing lights, or slow down if you cannot safely change lanes. Avoid distractions while driving – including phones, passengers and any activity that takes...
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UPDATE – DETAILS ADDED: Lexington Park Man Arrested After Attempted Murder at Solomons Fireworks Stabbing

UPDATE 7/9/2026: Devin Allen Miles, 23, of Lexington Park, has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, and second-degree assault after investigators say a juvenile was stabbed during a large fight near the Solomons Island Gazebo during a fireworks event on July 5, 2026. Deputies with the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office were called to the area of the Solomons Island Gazebo at about 9:22 p.m. for a reported fight involving multiple people. The area was crowded because of...
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UDDATE: Details Added After Arrest where 74 Animal-Related Charges Follow Gun Threat in Charles County

UPDATE 7/9/2026: Sir Leander Evans Gamble, 57, of Waldorf, was arrested July 3, 2026, and charged with first-degree assault and three counts of second-degree assault after three people renting a camper on his Penjack Place property told authorities he threatened them with a handgun and later assaulted them during a dispute, according to charging papers filed in Charles County. The arrest came the same day Charles County authorities were at Gamble’s property for a separate matter that later led...
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Search-Warrant Investigation Leads to Drug Charges Against Mechanicsville Man

Gregory Alan Fuchs, 34, of Mechanicsville, faces two counts of possessing a controlled substance other than cannabis, two counts of possessing drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended for failing to attend a driver improvement program, driving on a suspended license and driving without the required license and authorization. Fuchs was arrested on July 10, 2026,...
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Police Arrest White Plains Man for Thefts From Lowe’s, LensCrafters and Other Stores, Investigation Leads to Seizure of Guns and Narcotics

David Eugene Gregory, 58, of White Plains, has been charged with two felony counts of theft involving property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 and one felony count of theft scheme involving the same value range following two alleged thefts from a Waldorf optical store. He also faces a separate felony theft-scheme charge in Charles...
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Lusby Woman Charged With Assault, Destruction of Phone After Argument Over a Burger King Sandwich

Dajon Paulette Thomas, 29, of Lusby, was charged with second-degree assault and malicious destruction of property valued at $1,000 or more following an alleged domestic assault on July 10, 2026. A Calvert County Sheriff’s Office deputy was sent to Hickory Court in Lusby after the Calvert County Control Center received a call from a...
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Former Adviser to Federal Reserve Board of Governors Sentenced to Federal Prison Term

John Harold Rogers, 64, a former senior adviser for the Federal Reserve Board of Governors (FRB), was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 38 months in federal prison in connection with making false statements to federal investigators about sharing restricted Federal Reserve information with Chinese intelligence operatives, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro....
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North Beach Volunteer Fire Department Celebrates 100 Years of Service with Upcoming August Events

The North Beach Volunteer Fire Department (NBVFD) is proud to announce that it is marking a century of dedicated service, bravery, and community commitment. Founded Aug. 4, 1926, the department has protected lives and property throughout generations, responding to emergencies, fires, and disasters while evolving alongside the community it serves. To honor this historic...
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Lusby Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins Permanently Closes Exactly 20 Years After Opening

Exactly 20 years to the day after opening its doors, the locally owned Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins in Lusby permanently closed on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. The multi-brand restaurant opened on July 15, 2006, at 174 Village Center Drive as Calvert County’s first Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins location. The store, stablished by husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Nance Pretto Simmons...
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Data Center Power Demand Expected to Add Billions in Costs Across Maryland and 12 Other States

Electricity demand from rapidly expanding data centers is expected to add approximately $6.3 billion to wholesale power costs across Maryland, 12 other states and the District of Columbia, according to an analysis of PJM Interconnection’s latest capacity auction. PJM, which operates the nation’s largest regional electric grid, announced Tuesday, July 14, 2026, that its...
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Maryland Department of Natural Resources – Native Animal Profile: Crayfish

Most of us who have played in shallow water or let our children play in Maryland streams and ponds vividly recall an encounter with a crayfish. It’s usually hiding under a rock, hurriedly scampering along a sandy stream bottom, shooting quickly backwards away from disturbance, or angrily shaking small claws at us as we...
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Police Investigating Another Triple Fatal Crash Involving Motorcycle in Prince George’s County

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a multi-vehicle fatal crash involving a motorcycle that occurred late Tuesday night in Adelphi. The adult male operator of the motorcycle, an adult male driver of another vehicle, and an adult female passenger all died at the scene. Their identities will...
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Lexington Park Woman Faces Disorderly Conduct Charge During Solomons Stabbing Investigation

Raliyah Denejae Alexus Tyler, 28, of Lexington Park, was charged with failing to obey a reasonable and lawful order and disorderly conduct after authorities said she attempted to enter a vehicle connected to a stabbing investigation outside a Solomons restaurant. A Calvert County Sheriff’s Office deputy reported being near the Pier Restaurant on Solomons...
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Repeat Offender Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison for Felony Cocaine Case in St. Mary’s County

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced that David Leroy Harvey, Jr., 33, of Great Mills, Maryland, was sentenced to 41 years in prison with 21 years of active incarceration after being convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fleeing and eluding police. “This marks the Defendant’s third felony drug conviction. At the time...
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Highlights – July 7, 2026

On Tuesday, July 7, Charles County Commissioners received an update from Kaiser Permanente on its planned Charles County medical facility. After purchasing the property in 2020 and completing several years of planning, traffic studies, and regulatory review, Kaiser Permanente placed the project on hold in 2025. The organization cited rising construction costs and broader economic pressures...
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Governor Moore Announces More Than $1 Billion in Awards for Affordable Rental Housing Construction in Fiscal Year 2026

Governor Moore announced the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development awarded low-income housing tax credits and provided financing through state rental housing funds, the Multifamily Bond Program, and energy efficiency programs with an estimated value of more than $1 billion to create or preserve 3,025 affordable rental units. “Access to affordable housing is...
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UPDATE: Calvert Advanced Life Support Regrets to Announce Passing of Paramedic Kevin Wells

UPDATE 7/15/2026: The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a three-vehicle crash that occurred early morning on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in Baltimore City. Shortly before 7 a.m., MDTA Police Officers assigned to the Central Command Detachment responded to the northbound lanes of I-95 near Russell Street (Exit 52). Responding...
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Maryland Investigating Rise in Cyclosporiasis Cases as Parasitic Illness Spreads Nationwide

Maryland health officials are investigating an increase in Cyclosporiasis cases as hundreds of infections involving the intestinal parasite are reported across the United States. The Maryland Department of Health confirmed 32 cases in the state during 2026. Health officials said investigators have not identified a common source connecting the Maryland cases. Cyclosporiasis is an...
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St. Mary’s County Public Cooling Centers Open July 15th to 18th As Heat Index Could Reach 106 Degrees

St. Mary’s County Government has announced that several public cooling centers will be available from Wednesday, July 15, through Saturday, July 18, 2026, due to extreme heat in the forecast. Heat index values are expected to reach as high as 106 degrees this week. Residents who need relief from the heat may visit any...
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Run. Golf. Hula. Savor: Here Are 4 Ways to Change Lives This Fall

Hospice of the Chesapeake Foundation is proud to announce the Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation as the Premier Sponsor of its 2026 Fall Event Series, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to compassionate care throughout our community. The Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation’s generous investment will help power four signature fundraising events that bring together supporters,...
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