Southern Maryland News Net

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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UPDATE: Avenue Man Indicted for Fatal 2025 Crash on Route 5 in Leonardtown

UPDATE 3/10/2026: Kendall Deshong Young age 34 of Avenue, has been formally indicted and charged via criminal summons with the following charges below. NEG MANSL-AUTO/BOAT, ETC. CR NEG MANSLGHTR VEH/VESS RECKLESS DRIVING Negligent driving veh. in careless and imprudent manner endangering property, life and person Driving motor veh. while lic. suspended under TR (17-106, 26-204, 26-206, 27-103) An initial appearance is set for 04/20/2026. The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the crash investigation, with charges presented to...
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Former MPD Officer Arrested, Police Investigating Drugging and Sexual Assaults Across Maryland and Virginia Over Past Two Years

APD: Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire provided a briefing on the Alexandria Police Department’s (APD) investigation into a sexual assault suspect. A Grand Jury indictment against Timothy Valentin, a 30-year-old resident of Fort Washington, Maryland, alleges he has sexually assaulted four victims. Today’s indictment charges Valentin with multiple felony offenses related to three victims, including: Four counts of Rape by Force Four counts of Rape by Incapacitation Two counts of Adulteration Two counts of Sodomy Two counts of Abduction...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Severe Storm Threat Increasing for Monday, March 16 Across Maryland and Virginia

Residents across Southern Maryland, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. should prepare for a potentially dangerous round of severe weather on Monday, March 16, with the threat including damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes. Forecast guidance and National Weather Service products indicate this is a storm system worth taking seriously, especially during the afternoon and evening...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Traffic Notice: Pegg Road Roundabout Construction to Begin at Westbury Boulevard Intersection

St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) will be constructing a new roundabout at the intersection of Pegg Road and Westbury Boulevard. The project is scheduled to begin on or about Tuesday, March 17, 2026, with completion in approximately 60 days, weather permitting. A traffic control plan will be implemented for...
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Local Southern Maryland Coaches Launch “The Dugout” Podcast to Unite Youth Baseball and Softball Community

A new voice is hitting the airwaves for the Southern Maryland sports community. The Dugout, a dedicated youth baseball and softball podcast, has officially launched, providing players, parents and coaches with an inside look at the game from a local perspective. Hosted by a panel of four veteran local coaches, the podcast serves as...
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Safe Catch-and-Release and Avoiding High Temperatures Helps Protect Striped Bass, Research Shows

Practicing safe catch-and-release fishing is always important for conserving fish populations, and these techniques are all the more critical for Maryland’s striped bass now, which have struggled to produce a strong new generation of fish in recent years. Catch-and-release fishing is a great way for anglers to pursue fish while also conserving the population, allowing...
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Little Flower School to Host 2026 Touch-a-Truck Festival in Great Mills on March 28, 2026

Little Flower School is inviting the Southern Maryland community to its 2026 Touch-a-Truck Festival on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The family-friendly event will take place on the grounds of Little Flower School in Great Mills from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $5 per person. The hands-on festival will give children and families...
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St. Mary’s County Animal Adoption & Resource Center Announces Extended Closure

The St. Mary’s County Animal Adoption & Resource Center, which announced an emergency closure on Wednesday, March 11, will remain closed to the public through Monday, March 16, 2026. The extended closure is due to a large animal intake that required the full attention of shelter staff and the use of all available shelter space to safely receive...
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Noise Advisory – Inshore Flight Testing, Potential Supersonic Flights March 19-20, 2026

Communities surrounding Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Webster Outlying Field, Smith Island, Maryland and residents of the Northern Neck of Virginia are advised of an inshore weapons separation testing event Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This test flight has the potential to generate a sonic boom...
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