Southern Maryland News Net

UPDATE: Victims in Fatal 2-Alarm House Fire Are Identified, Cause of Fire Remains Under Investigation

UPDATE 3/22/2023: The victims of an early Monday morning house fire in Lexington Park have been positively identified as 59-year-old Jerome Garcia Barnes and 61-year-old Mary Jacqueline Queen. According to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, both died due to smoke inhalation. Deputy State Fire Marshals have concluded the fire originated within the basement. While the fire remains under investigation, they have not recovered evidence that it was an act of arson and continue to explore all possible...
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Bomb Threat at Charles County Schools Being Investigated

Investigators with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Homeland Security and Intelligence Section and school resource officers are working with Charles County Public Schools to investigate a bomb threat that was sent to students via an air-dropped message to their cell phones earlier today. The threat indicated a bomb would be detonated at all Charles County schools on March 24th, and students reported the message to school administrators. A preliminary investigation shows the sender’s source is unknown; however, investigators learned...
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18-Year Old Great Mills Man Arrested for Home Invasion in Lexington Park, Released Less Than 24 Hours Later on $5,000 Bond

On Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at approximately 10:55 p.m., police responded to the 21000 block of Rodine Way in Lexington Park, for the reported home invasion. The 911 caller reported multiple armed suspects were outside of a residence attempting to get inside. Police arrived on the scene to find multiple home occupants injured after an assault with the suspects no longer on scene. Two ambulances and a medic unit were dispatched to the scene to evaluate the victims for...
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Firefighters from Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s County Respond to Large Fire in Port Republic

On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at approximately 7:30 p.m., firefighters in Calvert County responded to 3648 Valley Road in Port Republic, for the reported out of control bonfire threatening structures. Crews arrived on the scene reporting a quarter acre of bamboo on fire. A short time after arrival, the incident was upgraded to a full structure fire assignment due to citizens advising a shed was on fire. Firefighters from Huntingtown, Prince Frederick, St. Leonard, Dunkirk, Solomons, North Beach, Bay...
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Student Falls Ill After Ingesting Edible / Edibles Recovered from High School Student

On March 21, 2023, at 10:53 a.m., a student from Lackey High School approached a school counselor and indicated they were hallucinating and felt sick. The student was taken to a school nurse where the student indicated they obtained an edible from another student while attending morning classes at Robert D. Stethem Educational Center. The student was evaluated and sent home with a parent. Through investigation, Charles County Sheriff’s Office school resource officers (SROs) determined the student obtained the...
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Man Charged with Vandalism and Hate Crimes in 2022 Now Charged with Possession of Child Pornography After Allowing Police to Search His Home

UPDATE 3/19/2023: Charles Sutherland age 31 of Takoma Park was arrested in June of 2022, for spray painting the word “Groomer” on the front door of the Greenbelt Library, and the New Carrolton Library during Capitol Pride Week. At the time of his arrest, Sutherland worked as a school librarian at the Northview Elementary School in Bowie. Sutherland admitted to the incidents of vandalism and allowed police to conduct a search of his home, at which point he also admitted...
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UPDATE: Hollywood Man Arrested After Carjacking at Hollywood CVS

UPDATE: Isiah Denzel Washington, 19 of Hollywood, has been arrested and charged with the following: Robbery; Carjacking; First-Degree Assault and several other violations. Washington is currently incarcerated at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown. UPDATE: St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a strong-armed robbery at the CVS Pharmacy in Hollywood. A female victim reported that a male threw her to the ground and stole her vehicle. The suspect was located driving the stolen vehicle...
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Police Seeking Identity of Theft Suspects Who Fired Gun Towards Business They Stole From

On Sunday, March 5, 2023, at approximately 8:45 p.m., the suspects entered a tobacco shop in Bryans Road, MD, and stole items. The suspects left the store and entered a silver Toyota Prius. As they were leaving the parking lot, someone inside the car fired several shots from a firearm toward the business. Fortunately, no one was injured. Anyone with information about the identity of any of the suspects is asked to contact Det. Gregory at 301-609-6507. Tipsters who...
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State Fire Marshal Deems House Fire in Charlotte Hall Accidental Due to Freezer

UPDATE 3/17/2023: Investigation determined the fire originated in a first floor storage room and was observed by the homeowner in the area of a stand alone freezer. The occupant/owners are identified as Paul and Suane Chase with the estimated loss of structure and contents valued at over $200,000.00 The occupant was alerted by the working smoke and fire alarm system in the home. The occupant was able to escape from the home unharmed. The homeowners are being assisted by...
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Driver Sober This St. Patrick’s Day! “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” Safety Message

This year, St. Patrick’s Day – March 17, 2023 – falls on a Friday. The celebratory day is one of the biggest drinking occasions of the year, and this, unfortunately, means more drunk drivers on the roads. With Saint Patrick’s Day falling on a Friday, we can expect a fairly dangerous weekend for drivers and passengers alike. Review these facts and share the word about the dangers of drunk driving so you can continue merry-making for all the St....
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Firefighters in Charles County Respond to Five Fires in Under 12 Hour Period

On Tuesday, March 15, 2023, at approximately 11:10 a.m., firefighters responded to the 15900 block of Prince Frederick Road, for the large vehicle fire. Crews arrived on scene to find an RV fully engulfed with extension into the woods. Incident command requested a brush fire task force which brought additional firefighters from Charles and St. Mary’s County to the scene. The fire was controlled within 20 minutes and completely extinguished in approximately 45 minutes.. At approximately 12:25 p.m., firefighters...
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U.S. Marshals Service Initiate Fugitive Investigation for Former Maryland Governor’s Top Aide After Failure to Appear

The U.S. Marshals Service has initiated an interstate fugitive investigation. It is now seeking to apprehend the former Maryland governor’s top aide after he failed to appear in court on Monday, March 13, 2023. A federal judge issued an arrest warrant for Roy McGrath, the aide to former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, due to McGrath failing to appear in court as his trial on federal fraud charges. McGrath, who moved to Naples, Florida, faces an eight-count federal indictment with...
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Apartment Fire in Waldorf Deemed Accidental Due to Improperly Discarded Smoking Materials

On Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at 6:56 a.m., firefighters responded to 6008 New Forest Court in Waldorf, for the reported apartment fire. Crews arrived on the scene to find a 2-story apartment complex with fire on the exterior balcony. Firefighters extinguished the fire in under 10 minutes. The owner/occupants were identified as Modou Sey & Laura Smith with the estimated loss of structure and contents valued at $2,500.00 Investigation determined the fire started on the balcony with the cause being deemed...
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Maryland State Police to Increase Patrols As St. Patrick’s Day Nears

With St. Patrick’s Day coming up on Friday, Maryland State Police are urging those who plan to celebrate with alcohol to drink responsibly and avoid impaired, distracted and aggressive driving. With an expected increase of impaired drivers throughout the state this week, troopers at all 23 Maryland State Police barracks will conduct saturation patrols, focusing on impaired, distracted and aggressive driving. A portion of the costs associated with the increased enforcement efforts will be paid through impaired driving saturation...
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White Plains Woman Suffers Serious Injuries in Crash That Kills Two Prince George’s County Residents

On March 12, 2023, at approximately 12:15 a.m., officers responded to the area of southbound Crain Highway at westbound Maryland Route 32 for a crash involving a tow truck and a sedan. The investigation revealed a 2013 Freightliner tow truck was traveling southbound on Crain Highway near westbound Maryland Route 32 when it rear-ended a 2010 Honda sedan. The Freightliner overrode the Honda, causing both vehicles to leave the right side of the roadway and strike trees. The driver...
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Large Funeral Procession Scheduled for Thursday Morning to Escort Firefighter Steven King

On Thursday, March 23, 2023, at approximately 11:00 a.m., firefighters from Bay District VFD and Second District VFD&RS will be escorting Steven from the Brinsfield Funeral Home on Hollywood Road in Leonardtown, to the Second District Volunteer Fire Department in Valley Lee. The procession will take place between 11:00 a.m., and 11:45 a.m., police...
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Police Seeking Suspects Who Stole Two Vehicles in Hollywood

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the identity of the man pictured in a vehicle theft investigation. On Monday, March 20, 2023, at 5 am, the suspect broke into and stole a Ford F-350 truck from an auto repair lot in Hollywood. The suspect was dropped off, and likely picked back up...
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Charles County Sheriff’s Office Hosts Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement Training

As part of continued efforts to keep Charles County’s roadways safe as well as provide advanced training opportunities for officers, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office hosted a training on March 3 and 4, 2023, which focused on enhanced techniques for identifying people driving under the influence of drugs. “We are committed to the safety...
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Prince George’s County Man Sentenced to Over 5 Years in Prison for Illegally Transporting Firearms with Obliterated Serial Numbers and Smuggling Firearms to Nigeria

U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett today sentenced Eric Fru Nji, age 42, of Fort Washington, Maryland, to 63 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for conspiracy, for transporting firearms with obliterated serial numbers, and for smuggling firearms and ammunition from the United States to Nigeria. Judge Bennett also...
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Forever Maryland Awards 2023 Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants Totaling $92,000

Forever Maryland announces that 31 grants totaling $92,000 have been awarded to support environmental education, community cleanup, and beautification projects through the Keep Maryland Beautiful program. The annual grants are funded by the Maryland Environmental Trust, Forever Maryland, and Maryland Department of Transportation The grants are administered by Forever Maryland; it is the oldest program of the Maryland Environmental Trust, a unit of the Department...
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Upper Marlboro Woman Almost Has Panic Attack After $100,000 Double Pick 5 Win

Sometimes, even happy circumstances like winning a big Lottery prize can be overwhelming. When a lucky Upper Marlboro woman won a $100,000 Pick 5 prize, the realization drove her into what she called a near panic attack. The 54-year-old found her lucky win at E&C Mid Atlantic #708 in Bowie, where she often goes...
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St. Clement’s Island Museum to Host 3rd Annual First Landing Wine & Arts Festival in Partnership with St. Mary’s County Wineries on Saturday, April 1st

On Saturday, April 1, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., St. Clement’s Island Museum will host all four St. Mary’s County wineries, as well as local crafters and artisans for the 3rd annual First Landing Wine & Arts Festival. Community members and visitors are invited to enjoy this full day of fun on...
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Maryland State Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision Involving Pedestrian at Charles and PG County Line

On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at approximately 9:00 p.m., police, fire and rescue personnel from Charles and Prince George’s County responded to the area of Crain Highway and Mattawoman Drive, for the reported pedestrian struck. Dispatchers advised they received multiple 911 calls reporting a pedestrian was struck. Crews arrived on the scene to find...
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UPDATE: Calvert Department of Public Safety Releases Statement on Cliff Instability Near Driftwood Beach in Lusby

UPDATE 3/22/2023: The Calvert County Department of Public Safety has issued the following statement regarding the safety hazard of cliff erosion and an exposed septic tank in the area of Driftwood Beach in Lusby. In October 2020, cliff erosion following a storm exposed a septic tank located on a residential property along the cliffs...
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House Damaged After Shed Fire in Lexington Park, State Fire Marshal Investigating

On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at approximately 3:03 p.m., firefighters from Bay District, NAS Patuxent River, and Valley Lee responded to the 21500 block of South Essex Drive in Lexington Park, for the reported structure on fire. Crews arrived on the scene to find a shed on fire to the rear of the residence....
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St. Mary’s County 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Results Released

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) and the St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) announce local results of the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The national survey, conducted biennially by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provides aggregate-level data representative of 9th through 12th grade students in public and...
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Upper Marlboro Man Arrested for Armed Robberies of Two Hotels

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit arrested a man linked to the armed robberies of two hotels. He’s 31-year-old Rodney Knight of Upper Marlboro. The preliminary investigation revealed Knight robbed a hotel in the 9400 block of Largo Drive West in Upper Marlboro on September 24, 2022. He’s also charged with robbing...
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Rotary Club of Charlotte Hall Awards $10K to Support Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

The Rotary Club of Charlotte Hall and Community Bank of the Chesapeake have awarded the St. Mary’s County Health Department with a $10,000 grant to promote the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people age 15-44 in the United States. The 988 Suicide and...
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Governor Moore Requests Federal Fishery Disaster Declaration for Invasive Blue Catfish

Governor Wes Moore is calling on the federal government to declare the expanding population of invasive fish species—including blue catfish, flathead catfish, and snakehead—to be an ongoing commercial fishery disaster in the Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay. The governor sent a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo requesting the declaration under provisions...
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Detectives Identify and Arrest Prince George’s County Man Wanted for String of Commercial Armed Robberies

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit identified and arrested a man in connection with four recent armed robberies and attempted armed robberies at county businesses. He is 40-year-old James Kareen Day of Jessup, MD. Day is charged with four cases dating back to December of 2022: December 23, 2022: armed robbery of...
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Anne Arundel Detectives Recover Stolen Vehicle, Loaded Gun, Drugs and Make Three Arrests

On March 20, 2023, at approximately 9:30 p.m., detectives from the Eastern District Tactical Patrol Unit and Tactical Narcotics Team observed a stolen 2020 white Honda Pilot on Mountain Road near Catherine Avenue in Pasadena. The vehicle had recently fled from police on several occasions. Officers observed the vehicle until it was parked at...
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St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Seeking Identity of Suspects in Attempted Burglary Investigation

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the identity of the person pictured in an attempted burglary investigation. On Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 7:12 am, the suspect attempted to gain entry to an unoccupied residence in the Suburban Estates neighborhood in Lexington Park. While the suspect was attempting to open the door,...
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