Southern Maryland News Net

UPDATE: Charlotte Hall Man and His Passenger Killed After Running Red Light in Hollywood; Two Others Injured

UPDATE 3/16/2026: On Sunday, March 15, at 4:35 p.m., deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the intersection of Three Notch Road and Hollywood Road for a motor vehicle collision. The investigation determined that a 2016 GMC Sierra, operated by Austin Schultz of Leonardtown, was making a left turn from northbound Three Notch Road onto Hollywood Road at the traffic signal when a 2013 Toyota Camry, operated by 42-year-old Keith Mersing II of Charlotte Hall and...
Read More »

Police in Calvert County Arrest Columbia Man for Felony Theft of Over $190,000 in Gold Bullion Scam

Jatin Talwar, 46, of Columbia, is facing felony charges of theft of $100,000 or more and theft scheme of $100,000 or more following a March 11, 2026 arrest in Dunkirk, according to court documents filed in the District Court for Calvert County. Talwar was arrested by the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and is currently being held without bond. A bail review hearing was held March 12, 2026 before Judge Andrea R. S. Watkins. According to court records, deputies began...
Read More »

UPDATE: Man Found Guilty in Murder of 62-Year-Old Timothy Louis Portzen in Waldorf

UPDATE 3/15/2026: Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Monday, March 9, 2026, a Charles County jury found Scott Anthony Goldsmith, 55, guilty of the Second-Degree Murder of Timothy Louis Portzen and the First-Degree Assault of a second victim. On October 3, 2023, officers with Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to a Waldorf residence for the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the surviving victim, who reported that she had been stabbed...
Read More »

Three Transported to Trauma Center After Motor Vehicle Collision in Waldorf

On Saturday, March 14, 2026, at approximately 9:55 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the intersection of Crain Highway and Smallwood Drive in Waldorf, for the motor vehicle collision with injuries. Crews arrived on the scene to find no entrapment, one vehicle into a pole and three patients for evaluation. EMS requested a helicopter to land nearby for a 42-year-old male. Maryland State Police Aviation Command Trooper 2 landed nearby and transported the male to the...
Read More »

One Transported to Trauma Center After T-Bone Collision in Lexington Park

On Saturday, March 14, 2026, at approximately 5:10 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the intersection of Pegg Road and Lexington Drive in Great Mills, for the serious motor vehicle collision with entrapment. Crews arrived on the scene to find two vehicles in a T-bone style collision with the operator of the Toyota sedan trapped, and three patients for evaluation. Firefighters from Bay District Volunteer Fire Department Station 3 and 9 responded with 13 personnel and...
Read More »

One Flown to Trauma Center After T-Bone Collision in Mechanicsville

On Saturday, March 14, 2026, at approximately 4:32 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the intersection of Point Lookout Road and Morganza Turner Road in Mechanicsville, for the motor vehicle collision with injuries. Crews arrived on the scene to find two vehicles in a T-bone style collision with no entrapment, and both drivers having injuries. The operator of the pickup truck was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries. EMS requested a helicopter to land...
Read More »

Lexington Park Man Gets Jail Time, Probation in Animal Cruelty Case

Darius Paul Chew, 22, of Lexington Park, pleaded guilty in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court to two counts of animal cruelty and one count of failing to provide necessary care for an animal in a case that began with his August 2025 arrest and later moved from District Court to Circuit Court. Court records show the case was first filed in District Court on August 27, 2025, then transferred to Circuit Court on September 8, 2025. According to charging...
Read More »

Early Morning Trailer Fire in Mechanicsville Leaves Two Displaced, Fire Under Investigation

On Friday, March 13, 2026, at approximately 2:41 a.m., firefighters from Mechanicsville, Seventh District, Hughesville, Hollywood and Charles County responded to the 39000 block of Harper’s Corner Road in Mechanicsville, for the reported structure fire. 911 callers reported a fire in the bathroom. Firefighters arrived on scene to find fire showing from the 1-story trailer with a second nearby mobile home being threatened. Crews made entry with multiple attack lines and found hoarding conditions within the residence which slowed...
Read More »

Police Investigating Murder Case on Davis Road in Waldorf

UPDATE 3/12/2026 @ 2:00 pm: On March 11 at approximately 6:46 p.m., officers responded to the 2200 block of Davis Road for the report of a shooting. A preliminary investigation showed that the victim was standing outside a residence when an unknown suspect drove up in a dark colored SUV and fired multiple shots, striking the victim. Fire/EMS personnel arrived and initiated aide; however, the victim was pronounced deceased on the scene. The victim was later identified as Jakale...
Read More »

No Injuries Reported After Plane Crash at St. Mary’s County Airport

On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 4:10 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the St. Mary’s County Airport located at 44200 Airport Road in Hollywood, Maryland, for the reported plane crash. 911 callers reported a single engine plane crashed at the end of the runway with unknown occupants and unknown injuries. Crews quickly arrived on the scene to confirm a single engine aircraft had crashed after leaving the runway with the plane coming to a rest...
Read More »

State Fire Marshal Investigating Townhouse Fire in White Plains That Displaces Six

On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at approximately 1:27 p.m., firefighters from Waldorf, La Plata and surrounding departments responded to the 10700 block of Esprit Place in White Plains, for the structure on fire. Crews arrived on the scene to find smoke and fire showing from the 3-story middle of the group townhouse. Firefighters made entry and found fire on the exterior of the townhome which extended into the attic. The fire was extinguished within 25 minutes. All searches came...
Read More »

UPDATE: Police Investigating Two Separate Shootings in Under An Hour in Charles County That Leaves One Dead, One Hospitalized

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating two separate shootings in the county that occurred within an hour of each other. At approximately 6:46 p.m., officers responded to the 2200 block of Davis Road for the report of a shooting. A preliminary investigation showed that a 26-year-old male was standing outside a residence when an unknown suspect drove up in a dark colored SUV and fired multiple shots, striking the victim. Fire/EMS personnel arrived and initiated aide; however,...
Read More »

UPDATE: Fire Marshal Continues Investigation Into Leonardtown Structure Fire

UPDATE 3/13/2026: On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 3:41 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to 41885 Medley Neck Road in Leonardtown, for the structure fire. Crews arrived on the scene to find a single story, single family house with smoke showing and the single occupant outside. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, the homeowner was able to escape with minor injuries and is being assisted by family members. Investigation determined the home did not...
Read More »

5-Year-Old Flown to Children’s Center After Falling from 2-Story Window in Hollywood

On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 3:24 p.m., firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 43000 block of St. John’s Road in Hollywood, for the reported fall. 911 callers reported a 5-year-old male fell from a 2-story window, and advised no one witnessed the child fall and doesn’t know when it occurred. Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 7 was placed on standby. Crews arrived on the scene to find the child was conscious and breathing, while EMS evaluated...
Read More »

UPDATE: 17-Year-Old Charged As Adult After Stabbing 19-Year-Old at Great Mills High School

UPDATE 3/10/2026: Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a stabbing that occurred Tuesday at Great Mills High School. At approximately 12:15 p.m., School Resource Officer Corporal Gerard Muschette requested an ambulance for a 19-year-old male suffering from a single stab wound to the torso. The victim was flown from the scene to an area hospital with injuries that appear to be non-life-threatening. An immediate investigation was initiated, and a 17-year-old male suspect was taken into...
Read More »

NAS Patuxent River Announces Staggered Departure Due to Weather, Sets Mission Essential Personnel Only by 2 p.m. March 16, 2026

NAS Patuxent River has authorized a staggered departure by zone March 16, 2026 due to forecasted inclement weather. NAS Patuxent River will institute an operating status of Restricted Access for All but Mission Essential Personnel from 2 p.m. Monday March 16, 2026 to 12 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2026 due to forecasted weather conditions....
Read More »

Governor Moore Declares State of Preparedness Ahead of Severe Storms on Monday, March 16

Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Preparedness ahead of significant risk for widespread, severe storms producing damaging winds, hail, and a heightened tornado threat across all of Maryland for Monday, March 16. These storms have the potential to cause damages to structures, downed trees and powerlines, and create debris. Marylanders are urged to have...
Read More »

Three Baltimore Men of Arrested for Stealing Groceries From Giant In Prince Frederick During Overnight Cleaning Shift

Victor Ariel Bermudez-Ventura, 33, Enrique Elia Bermudez-Ventura, 31, and Yafred Santos-Jeronimo, 19, all of Baltimore, are each charged with theft of $100 to under $1,500 following an alleged shoplifting incident at Giant on Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick on March 11, 2026, according to court documents. The arrests stem from an investigation conducted...
Read More »

School and Updates for Monday, March 16th, 2026 Due to Severe Weather Outlook

Ahead of tomorrow’s severe weather risk and updated outlook, many school districts are opting to smartly close early! While timing and changes will occur, Monday Morning will have rain and showers move through the region. Late Morning to Early Afternoon – A few isolated storms could develop ahead of the main front. The main...
Read More »

La Plata Man Charged With Drug Distribution After Traffic Stop on Crain Highway

Larry Renae Swann, 43, of La Plata, is charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute and making a false statement to a peace officer following a traffic stop in La Plata on March 3, 2026, according to court documents. According to charging documents, an officer with the La Plata...
Read More »

La Plata Man Charged With First-Degree Assault After Waldorf Stabbing, Woman Hospitalized

Frederick Alric Echols, 56, of La Plata, is charged with first-degree assault and second-degree assault following an alleged stabbing that left a woman seriously injured outside a Waldorf hotel on March 6, 2026, according to court documents. Court records state that deputies with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported stabbing in...
Read More »

Police Say Prince Frederick Man Violated Protective Order and Carried Loaded Handgun to Apartment in Calvert County

Chicago Alexander Garner, 31, of Prince Frederick, was arrested March 1, 2026, after deputies responded to a report that he was violating a court-issued protective order and allegedly found a loaded handgun in his possession, according to court documents. Garner is charged with loaded handgun on person, handgun on person, possession of a firearm...
Read More »

Police in St. Mary’s County Recover Gun and Arrest Lexington Park Man After Shooting Call and Vehicle Pursuit

UPDATE 3/15/2026: Vanecleus Quntya Alexander, 38, of Lexington Park, is charged in St. Mary’s County District Court with loaded handgun on person, handgun on person, loaded handgun in vehicle, handgun in vehicle, firearm possession after a felony or violent crime conviction, illegal possession of ammunition, illegal possession of a regulated firearm, and reckless endangerment...
Read More »

Cobb Island Volunteer Fire & EMS Department Regrets to Announce Passing of Life Member Sam Bowling

The Cobb Island Volunteer Fire & EMS Department Inc, & Cobb Island Auxiliary, regretfully announces the passing of Past President and Life Member Sam Bowling Sam passed away peacefully on the morning of March 14, 2026, at the Harmony House on Rt 228. Sam dedicated his life to the Fire and EMS service within...
Read More »

Maryland State Police Urge Marylanders To Be Cautious of Phone Scam Circulating

Maryland State Police are urging Marylanders to be cautious of a phone scam circulating in which impersonators pretend to be law enforcement officers in order to steal personal information. Police are receiving reports from citizens about scammers who are fraudulently identifying themselves as police officers or troopers to gain financial information or money from...
Read More »

Plan Your Next Calvert County Adventure with the 2026 Visitors Guide

Plan your next adventure in Calvert County and pick up your copy or download the 2026 Visitors Guide. This guide is designed for residents and visitors alike, listing information on shopping, restaurants and attractions like Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, Calvert Marine Museum, Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum and many other places of...
Read More »

PGPD Officer & Two Former Officers Charged With Misconduct in Office and Conspiracy to Commit Misconduct

The Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office charged one current and two former Prince George’s County police officers. Corporal Timothy Green is charged with two counts of misconduct in office and one count of conspiracy to commit misconduct. Former officer Sierra Alston is charged with one count of misconduct in office and three counts...
Read More »

UPDATE: Severe Storm Threat Increases AGAIN for Monday, March 16 Across Maryland and Virginia – PREPARE NOW!

UPDATE 3/15/2026: The National Weather Service has upgraded our severe potential outlook again, we are now at Level 4 of 5 as Severe Storms are going to be moving into our area along with the cold front. Morning (7–11 AM): Periods of rain and showers move through the region. This activity will be important because...
Read More »

Troopers Investigating Assault at Lexington Park Dollar Tree; Police Seeking Identity of Suspect Pictured

On Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at approximately 7:00 p.m., Troopers from the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack responded to the Dollar Tree, located at 21800 Shangri La Dr, Lexington Park, for the report of an assault. Please see the images below of the suspect and suspects vehicle. If you have any information pertaining to...
Read More »

Man Charged With Theft and Assault Following Reported Shoplifting in Prince Frederick

Lavonte Lewis Grimes, 30, of Hyattsville, is facing multiple misdemeanor charges after an alleged theft and confrontation with deputies outside the Walmart in Prince Frederick, according to court documents. Grimes is charged with theft between $100 and $1,500, obstructing and hindering, and second-degree assault. According to charging documents filed by the Calvert County Sheriff’s...
Read More »

Washington, D.C. Man Charged After Loaded Handgun Found During Dunkirk Traffic Stop

Corey Antonio Paul, 36, of Washington, D.C., is facing multiple firearm-related charges after deputies conducted a traffic stop in Dunkirk and allegedly discovered a loaded handgun and ammunition in his vehicle, according to court documents. The charges include illegal possession of a regulated firearm, handgun on a person, handgun in a vehicle, possession of...
Read More »

Hollywood Man Charged With Possessing Child Pornography After Images Found on Phone

Terry Joe Hahn, 44, of Hollywood, is facing two misdemeanor charges of possession of child pornography following an investigation by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, according to court documents. According to the charging documents, the investigation began on February 22, 2026, when deputies with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were contacted regarding...
Read More »

Archives