Southern Maryland News Net

Man Accused of Torturing Cat, Assaulting Girlfriend in St. Mary’s County

Casey Wayne Bridgett, 28, of no fixed address, is facing charges of aggravated cruelty to an animal, animal cruelty, animal cruelty—cause or authorize, and second-degree assault following an alleged domestic incident in Mechanicsville, according to court documents. The charges stem from an incident reported on July 17, 2025, at Medley’s Lane in Mechanicsville. A corporal with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence for a reported domestic disturbance. According to the application for statement of charges,...
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Charles County Sheriff’s Detectives Charge Three Suspects in October Murder Case at Westlake Dash-In on Smallwood Drive West

Detectives charge three suspects in October 2025 murder at Westlake Dash-In on Smallwood Drive West: Charles County Sheriff’s detectives charged three suspects in connection with an October 2025 murder case. On October 29 at 12:14 a.m., officers responded to the Westlake Dash-In in the 2000 block of Smallwood Drive West in Waldorf for a report of a shooting. The investigation showed unknown suspect(s) fired multiple rounds in the parking lot, striking two individuals who were standing outside a vehicle....
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Four Unified Bocce Teams from Charles County School Compete at State Tournament

Four Unified bocce teams from Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) headed to Hagerstown Community College Feb. 10 to compete in the state Unified bocce tournament. Of the 17 local teams, four qualified to move on to the next level. Two teams from La Plata High Schools, and one each from Maurice J. McDonough and North Point high schools recently placed at the district level to advance to the states. At Tuesday’s event, McDonough Team 2 placed fourth; La Plata...
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UPDATE: Suspect and Officers Identified After Fatal Shooting in Charles County

UPDATE 2/15/2026: The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General has identified the decedent and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) officers involved in the fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in White Plains, Charles County, Maryland. The decedent is identified as 36-year-old Demarcus Irish of Clinton, Maryland. The involved officers are identified as CCSO Sergeant Coulby, a 12-year veteran, and Police Officer First Class Kunz, a 15-year veteran. Both...
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Man Flown to Trauma Center After Accidentally Shooting Himself in Lexington Park

On Saturday, February 14, 2026, at approximately 9:28 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 46000 block of Franklin Road in Lexington Park, for the reported shooting. 911 callers reported a 21-year-old male had accidentally shot himself after a negligent discharge at the residence. Maryland State Police Aviation Command Trooper 7 was placed on standby. Crews arrived on the scene to find the victim with a single gunshot wound to the upper leg and confirmed a...
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U.S Navy Transfers Ten TH-57 helicopters to Sri Lanka Air Force

The United States Navy recently transferred 10 TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters to the Sri Lanka Air Force, strengthening the defense cooperation between the United States and Sri Lanka. “The transfer of excess helicopters reflects the United States Navy’s commitment to international partnership,” said Naval Undergraduate Flight Training Systems Program Office (PMA-273) program manager Capt. Duane Whitmer. “By providing platforms that still have significant operational value, we aim to support the Sri Lanka Air Force’s ability to respond to humanitarian...
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UPDATE: Lusby Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Murder After Firing Handgun at Two Victims Changing Tire

2/14/2026: On February 13, 2026, Khiantae Rai-Vaugh Marquez Robinson, 20, of Lusby, pleaded guilty in Calvert County Circuit Court to attempted second degree murder, first degree assault, use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, and concealing evidence of a crime. The charges stemmed from a drive-by shooting that occurred on September 16, 2025, on Golden West Way in Lusby. Investigators from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office determined that Robinson fired 2 shots from a vehicle...
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PG County Man Arrested After Multiple Cell Phone Store Robberies in Calvert County

UPDATE 2/13/2026: The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Melsun Shamel Perry, 34 of District Heights, in connection with multiple crimes targeting cell phone retail businesses in Calvert County. The charges stem from incidents that occurred on December 29, 2025, at the Verizon Wireless store in Dunkirk, and on February 3, 2026, at the Verizon Wireless store in Lusby. Perry has been charged in Calvert County with: Armed Robbery Robbery First- and Second-Degree Assault Organized Retail Theft Malicious Destruction...
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No Injuries Reported After Chimney Fire Extends Into Lexington Park Home Leaving Two Displaced

On Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 4:24 p.m., firefighters from Bay District, NAS Patuxent River, Ridge and Second District responded to the 21000 block of Constellation Street in Lexington Park, for the reported chimney fire. 911 callers reported a chimney fire was spreading to the residence, with all occupants and pets out and accounted for. Crews arrived on the scene within 5 minutes of dispatch to find fire showing from the residences chimney. Firefighters knocked the bulk of the...
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Maryland State Police Investigating Fatal Crash in Lexington Park

On Friday, February 13, 2026, at approximately 8:55 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to Point Lookout Road at Willows Road in Lexington Park, for the reported motor vehicle collision with unknown injuries. A short time after dispatch, the incident was upgraded to a serious motor vehicle collision with entrapment and one unconscious. A helicopter was placed on standby, however, Due to maintenance, Trooper 7 was out of service with flight medics responding to the scene by...
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UPDATE: Pedestrian Killed After Being Struck by Maryland State Trooper and Additional Vehicles in Waldorf, Crash Remains Under Investigation

UPDATE 2/13/2026: Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred late Thursday night in Charles County. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene by personnel from Charles County Emergency Medical Services. Identification is pending an autopsy at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore. Shortly before midnight, troopers from the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack responded to the area of Route 301 between Plaza Drive and St. Patrick’s Drive for a report of...
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Lexington Park Woman Indicted in 2025 Fatal Crash on Great Mills Road

UPDATE 2/112/2026: Zykera Sharnae Shubrooks-Nunley, 21, of Lexington Park, has been indicted on charges of negligent manslaughter by vehicle, criminally negligent manslaughter by vehicle, reckless driving, and negligent driving in connection with a fatal crash that occurred in 2025. A St. Mary’s County Grand Jury returned a true bill indictment on February 9, 2026, in the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County, charging Shubrooks-Nunley in a four-count indictment. According to the indictment, the charges stem from an incident that...
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Baltimore Man Charged in Multi-County 7-Eleven Credit Card Skimming Investigation in Calvert County

Becam Ciuciu, 20, of Baltimore, is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after an investigation by the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office into the installation of illegal skimming devices at 7-Eleven stores across Maryland. Ciuciu is charged with two counts of possession of a re-encoder/skimming device and two counts of identity fraud with intent to manufacture or distribute, according to court documents filed in the District Court for Calvert County . The charges stem from incidents reported on December 21,...
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Calvert County Conducting Death Investigating After Woman Dies at Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort in Chesapeake Beach

In response to the community inquiries for information regarding a recent death investigation, the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting an active and ongoing investigation into an incident that occurred at the Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort in Chesapeake Beach. The investigation remains open at this time. The Sheriff’s Office is conducting a thorough and comprehensive investigation into all aspects of the incident. Investigators are currently awaiting the results of the autopsy and additional information from the Office of...
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Deputies Say Drunk Man Left Child in Truck Following Hit-and-Run with School Bus at Plum Point Elementary School

Brian Paul Davis, 41, of Prince Frederick, is facing multiple charges including neglect of a minor, reckless endangerment, and confining an unattended child following a series of alleged incidents on February 4, 2026, according to court documents. Davis is charged with neglect of a minor, reckless endangerment, and confining an unattended child in a motor vehicle. In addition, he faces numerous traffic-related charges, including driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol, driving under the influence...
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Two Dameron Men Swapping Names Arrested After Fentanyl Seized During Late-Night Traffic Stop in Solomons, Calvert

Christopher Michael Cable, 35, and Nicholas Daniel Lokey, 32, both of Dameron, are facing multiple drug and obstruction charges following a February 12, 2026 traffic stop in Solomons, according to court documents. Cable is charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance not cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia, obstructing and hindering a police officer,...
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Calvert County Man Arrested Following Incident at Saint Leonard Elementary School Pickup

Brion Wesley Brookins, 39, of Saint Leonard, is facing multiple misdemeanor charges after an incident at Saint Leonard Elementary School on February 3, 2026, according to court documents. Brookins is charged with disturbing school operations, disturbing the peace, obstructing and hindering a police officer, and disorderly conduct. The charges stem from an incident reported...
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Traffic Stop in Prince Frederick Leads to Multiple Charges for Lexington Park Woman

Lisa Marie Thompson, 36, of Lexington Park, is facing multiple misdemeanor charges after deputies say she provided a false name during a traffic stop and was found in possession of suspected cocaine and drug paraphernalia. According to court documents, the charges stem from a traffic stop conducted by a deputy with the Calvert County...
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Lusby Man Accused of Kicking In Door and Assaulting Woman in Chesapeake Beach

Jacob Tanner Papanicolas, 27, of Lusby, is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say he broke into a Chesapeake Beach home, assaulted an adult female victim, damaged property, and endangered others while intoxicated. According to charging documents filed in the District Court for Calvert County, the charges stem from an incident reported...
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New Members Sought for St. Mary’s County Boards, Commissions & Committees

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County are seeking applications from residents who are interested in serving on a local Board, Committee, or Commission. Volunteering to serve as a member of these groups is an excellent way to meet new people while contributing to the successful operation and development of our community! Visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/boards for board...
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Maryland Families Advocate for Children’s Behavioral Health

More than 100 families from all corners of Maryland, from Garrett County to Worcester County and from Cecil County to St. Mary’s County, gathered in Annapolis on February 12th for the Maryland Coalition of Families’ Family Day in Annapolis, sharing their experiences with lawmakers and advocating for stronger children’s behavioral health services and protections....
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Runway Expansion & Terminal Upgrades at St. Mary’s County Regional Airport

On behalf of the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, together with the Departments of Public Works & Transportation and Economic Development, you are cordially invited to attend a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the completion of the runway expansion project and recent upgrades at the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be...
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2026 Dinner & Cruise Series at St. Clement’s Island Museum Expands Cruise Types, Routes, Themes & More with Debut of New Water Taxi Vessel

The St. Mary’s County Museum Division is pleased to announce that the 2026 Dinner & A Cruise series will kick off this spring with a brand-new water taxi vessel, expanded routes, and even more cruise types. These themed cruises offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy a fun evening cruising on the St. Clement’s Island Water Taxi,...
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DNR Seeks Public Input for Upcoming Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment on proposed changes to the 2026-2028 hunting and trapping seasons and the proposed 2026-2027 Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Bag Limits. The public can view the proposed regulations and comment online, as well as view and comment on the proposed migratory game bird seasons and bag limits now through February 28. “We thank...
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Governor Moore Secures Win from PJM, Saving Marylanders from Billions on Electricity Bills

Governor Wes Moore announced that the Board of Managers for grid operator PJM Interconnection released a decision to extend the capacity market price cap through the end of the decade. This decision follows sustained advocacy from Governor Moore and a coalition of 13 governors who demanded the grid operator take action to protect families and...
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Calvert County Government Celebrates National Entrepreneurship Week with New Businesses Across The County!

National Entrepreneurship Week, celebrated annually during the third week of February, was designated by Congress in 2006 to empower and recognize the voices of entrepreneurs across the country. The Calvert County Department of Economic Development proudly celebrates the vital role entrepreneurs play in shaping our local economy and community. Discover the newest businesses launching...
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Fox and NHRA Announce NHRA’s 75th Anniversary Season – Coming to Maryland International Raceway in May 2026

FOX Sports and NHRA are also scheduling NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series broadcasts, as well as shows featuring the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series across the FOX Sports networks. Maryland International Raceway is proud to announce that we will be an NHRA sanctioned track starting in 2026. In addition, MIR will be the...
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Charles County Public Schools 2025-2026 Calendar Changes, Shifts Last Day of School for Students and Teachers

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) has modified the 2025-2026 calendar due to recent inclement weather closures. As of Feb. 12, CCPS has used the four inclement weather days built into June 2026: June 12, 15, 16 and 17. The Board of Education on Feb. 10 approved the opening of schools for students and teachers...
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Charles County Resilience Authority Details $1.26 Million in Local Climate Projects

The Resilience Authority of Charles County presented a detailed progress report to the Charles County Board of County Commissioners on February 3, 2026, outlining funding totals, project milestones, and upcoming tree equity initiatives. The presentation focused on projects completed or underway as part of the Authority’s “Concrete to Green” initiative and Maryland’s 5 Million...
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California Man Sentenced to 10-Years After Police Arrest Him in PG County and Recover Over 100 Kilos of Cocaine, Three Firearms

U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced a California man to prison in connection with a federal investigation that led to law enforcement seizing more than 100 kilograms of cocaine. Mario Valencia-Birruetta, 35, of Corning, California, received a 121-month sentence for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Valencia-Birruetta’s sentence also covers a possession with intent to...
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Maryland Hunters Harvest 71,649 Deer for 2025-2026 Season

Maryland deer hunters harvested 71,649 deer during the combined archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons, from Sept. 5, 2025 through Feb. 4, 2026. The statewide harvest reported to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources included 29,814 antlered and 37,925 antlerless white-tailed deer, and 1,874 antlered and 2,036 antlerless sika deer. The harvest was 14.9% lower than the 2024-2025 total of 84,201 deer and 7.2% lower than...
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Resilience Through Restoration Initiative Protects Maryland Communities and Coastlines

In its eight years of operation, Maryland’s Resilience through Restoration Initiative has supported more than three dozen projects in the state and transferred millions of dollars into critical environmental efforts that protect communities, shore up habitat, and provide lasting economic benefits for long-term resilience in coastal areas. The program prioritizes nature-based solutions to harness...
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