Southern Maryland News Net

Carjacking and Chase Under Investigation in Leonardtown; Deputy Flown to Trauma Center After Crash

On Saturday, June 6, 2026, police in St. Mary’s County responded to a carjacking involving a Ford Bronco SUV. Around 12 p.m., the suspects were located and began fleeing from police. The suspects traveled down Point Lookout Road before turning onto Hanover Drive where they crashed at the dead end residential street before fleeing on foot into the nearby wooded area. Troopers from the Maryland State Leonardtown Barrack, Aviation Command Trooper 7, and Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and K9...
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No Injuries Reported Vehicle Fire Involving Propane Tanks in Mechanicsville

On Friday, June 5, 2026, at approximately 12:26 a.m., firefighters from Mechanicsville and Charles County responded to the area of 37440 Lockes Crossing Road in Mechanicsville, for the reported commercial vehicle on fire. Multiple 911 callers reported a propane truck was on fire with multiple explosions. Additional callers reported the operator was out of the vehicle. Crews arrived on the scene to confirm a pickup truck fully engulfed in flames with three propane/acetylene tanks in the bed of the...
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Four Displaced After Overnight House Fire in Waldorf, Fire Marshal Investigating

On Friday, June 5, 2026, at approximately 4:20 a.m., firefighters from Waldorf and surrounding departments from Charles and Prince George’s County responded to the 5700 block of Yellowtail Court in Waldorf, for the reported house on fire with possible entrapment. Dispatchers advised they were receiving multiple calls reporting the entire house was on fire with occupants possibly trapped. Crews arrived on the scene within minutes of dispatch to confirm fire showing from all sides of the two-story residence and...
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UPDATE: Woman and Child Flown Out After Rear-End Collision in Leonardtown

UPDATE: Maryland State Police Aviation Command Trooper 2 landed nearby and transported a 38-year-old female to the MedStar Washington Hospital Center, and a 6-year-old male to the Children’s National Hospital. The collision investigation and report was handled by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. The roadway was closed for over 40 minutes while First Responders operated on the scene. Updates will be provided if they are released by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. On Thursday, June 4, 2026,...
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Waldorf Barber Arrested, Police Find $24,600 In Cocaine And Stolen Glock In Maserati And Home

Tyrand Dupres Butler, 48, of Waldorf, has been charged with drug and firearm offenses after detectives with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Section served search warrants on his vehicle and residence on May 29, 2026, as part of an investigation into suspected cocaine distribution. According to court documents, detectives obtained a search warrant on May 25, 2026, authorizing the search of Butler, his 2019 Maserati Levante, and his residence on Bar Oak Drive in Waldorf. Detectives said...
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Police in St. Mary’s County Let Felony Sex Offense Defendant Walk Away From Hospital

Jimmy Arnold Mendenhall, 72, of Lexington Park, is charged with second-degree escape after court documents say he left St. Mary’s Hospital while in custody and failed to return with detention center staff to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center. According to charging documents filed by Deputy Preston Dixon of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Mendenhall was charged under Maryland criminal law with escape in the second degree. The court charge summary lists the possible penalty as...
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One Adult and One Child Flown Out, Two Others Injured After Crash Involving School Bus in La Plata

On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at approximately 9:30 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Rosewick Road near the train tracks in La Plata, for a motor vehicle collision involving an unoccupied school bus. 911 callers reported a single vehicle struck a school bus which reportedly had no students on board. Police were first to arrive on scene to report a “significant” crash with serious injuries. Firefighters and emergency medical services arrived and began...
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Calvert County Seeks Public Input for Fire, Rescue and EMS Master Plan

The Calvert County Department of Public Safety has contracted with MissionCIT LLC to develop a comprehensive fire, rescue and emergency medical services (EMS) master plan for Calvert County. As part of the planning process, MissionCIT is seeking feedback from county residents and individuals who are not members of volunteer fire departments or volunteer rescue squads. The survey is intended to gather public perspectives on services provided by fire, rescue and EMS agencies throughout the county. Residents are encouraged to...
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62-Year-Old Bushwood Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Stolen Vehicle Case

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced that William Elliot Mitchell, Jr., 62, of Bushwood, Maryland, was sentenced to five years with eighteen months of active incarceration for the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. On April 21, 2025, deputies with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Woodbush Drive in reference to a report of a stolen Dodge Ram truck from a Waldorf car dealership. When deputies arrived, they observed the stolen Ram 2500 diesel pickup...
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UPDATE: Firefighter Makes Recovery and Returns to Service After Suffering Life-Threatening Medical Emergency at Lusby House Fire

UPDATE 6/1/2026: On April 18, 2026, St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department Safety Officer Marc Richman suffered multiple cardiac arrests in the line of duty while operating on the scene of a structure fire. Thanks to the swift actions, skill and teamwork of fellow emergency responders, Marc received lifesaving care and was flown by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where he underwent emergency cardiac surgery and began a successful recovery. Thank you to the members...
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No Injuries Reported After Shed and Woods Fire in Lexington Park

On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 9:20 a.m., firefighters from Bay District, NDW Patuxent River, Second District and Hollywood responded to the 21000 block of Suburban Drive in Lexington Park, for the reported structure on fire. 911 callers reported a shed was on fire and spreading. Crews arrived on scene within minutes of dispatch to find an approximate 20×20 shed fully engulfed in flames and spreading to the nearby wooded area. Firefighters contained the fire within 15 minutes and...
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State Fire Marshal, Police Investigating Arson at Compass Systems in Lexington Park

On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 5:10 a.m., firefighters from Bay District, NDW Patuxent River, and Second District responded to the Compass Systems located at 21471 Great Mills Road in Lexington Park, for the reported smoke in a commercial building. The 911 caller was an employee who stated upon arrival, they heard fire alarms sounding and opened the front door to smell and see smoke. Firefighters arrived on the scene and made entry to find a slight haze of...
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UPDATE: PGFD Regrets to Announce Passing of Firefighter/Paramedic Demair Lloyd

UPDATE 6/2/2026: A financial relief campaign has been started to support Lloyd’s family. You can assist or share by clicking here. The men and women of the Prince George’s County Fire + EMS Department (Maryland) are mourning the sudden loss of Firefighter/Paramedic Demair Lloyd, who suffered an unexpected medical emergency after completing his shift. FF/PM Lloyd was known for always checking in on his colleagues and friends, and for his calm, steady presence on emergency calls. His dedication to others...
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North Beach Man Arrested After Stabbing and Assault Outside Chesapeake Beach Business

Nathan Oliver White, 44, of North Beach, has been charged with first-degree assault and second-degree assault after an alleged May 30, 2026, stabbing incident in Chesapeake Beach. The charges were filed in District Court for Calvert County on May 31, 2026, and the matter remains open. The incident began near Gordon Stinnett Avenue in Chesapeake Beach. Deputy Boerum was working an off-duty assignment at Traders Steak and Ale when he was alerted to a dispute outside the business. He...
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UPDATE: 22-Year-Old Mechanicsville Man in Critical Condition After Motorcycle Crash

UPDATE 5/30/2026: On Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 8:34 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services were dispatched to a serious motor vehicle collision in the 27000 block of Mechanicsville Road in Mechanicsville. A preliminary investigation indicates that a 2012 Nissan X-Terra, operated by Michael Sirk, 86, of Mechanicsville, was traveling on Mechanicsville Road and attempted to turn into a private driveway. The vehicle failed to yield the right of way and struck a black and blue Honda CBR...
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Police Say Speeding Stop in La Plata Uncovered Loaded Stolen Handgun

Marque Desean Gilmer, 38, of Suffolk, Virginia is facing firearm, alcohol-related driving and traffic charges after La Plata police said a traffic stop on Crain Highway led officers to a loaded stolen handgun inside his vehicle. Gilmer is charged with illegal possession of ammunition, possession of a stolen regulated firearm, transporting a loaded handgun...
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Waldorf Man Accused of Multiple Thefts At Stores And Business in Charles County

Matthew Scott Quiles, 40, of Waldorf, is facing multiple theft charges in Charles County after authorities say he stole merchandise from two home improvement stores and took cash deposits from a business where he had worked as a manager. The allegations involve three separate incidents in Waldorf: a May 18, 2026, theft at Lowe’s...
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Intoxicated Lusby Man Arrested After Multiple Calls Report Man Lying Near Roadway

Michael Sean Marshall, 40, of Lusby, has been charged in Calvert County District Court with second-degree assault, disorderly conduct, and intoxicated public disturbance after deputies responded to multiple calls about a man lying in or near the roadway in Lusby on May 29, 2026, according to court documents. According to the statement of probable...
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La Plata Man Arrested After Video Shows Attack At Waldorf Park-And-Ride

Tyrone Lorenzo Parker, 38, of La Plata, has been charged in Charles County District Court with first-degree assault and second-degree assault after court documents say he attacked a male victim with an unknown metal object at a Waldorf park-and-ride in March 2026. According to charging documents filed by Detective David Garrison of the Charles...
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Lexington Park Man Held Without Bond in Child Sexual Abuse Case

Helbert Barahona-Gonzalez, 44, of Lexington Park, has been charged in St. Mary’s County District Court with 19 offenses, including second-degree rape of a child under 14, sexual abuse of a minor, a continuing-course child sexual abuse charge, third-degree sex offense involving a child under 14, fourth-degree sex offense, and other charges, according to court...
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SMECO and VMDAEC Award Scholarships

SMECO has awarded four scholarships for 2026 to high school seniors who live in the cooperative’s service area. Recipients receive awards based on scholastic achievement, financial need, and school and community involvement. Since beginning the scholarship program in 1993, SMECO has presented awards to 136 students. Each of the following students will receive a...
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La Plata Warriors Class of 2026 Face Their Fears and Overcome Them at Graduation

The Warriors of La Plata High School celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2026 Thursday, June 4, at Regency Furniture Stadium. The class was led by valedictorian Ella Luton with the salutatorian role shared by Joyce Kang and Gavin Wu. Luton urged her fellow graduates to live their life not dictated by fear,...
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Patuxent River Man Charged After Reported Disturbance Near Solomons Tiki Bar

Anthony Lee Dross Jr., 27, of Patuxent River, has been charged in Calvert County District Court with disorderly conduct and intoxicated public disturbance after an incident on May 29, 2026, near The Tiki Bar on Charles Street in Solomons, according to court documents. According to the statement of charges, DFC A. Ostazeski of the...
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Lanham Woman Arrested for Stealing $252 In Merchandise From Waldorf Target

Kijah Renee Powers, 22, of Lanham, has been charged in Charles County District Court with misdemeanor theft of property valued at $100 to under $1,500 after court documents say she was accused of taking merchandise from Target on Western Parkway in Waldorf on May 30, 2026. According to the statement of probable cause, a...
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Lexington Park Woman Held Without Bond After Alleged Knife Assault

Stanaja Nicole Nae Drummond, 19, of Lexington Park, is facing two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, disorderly conduct, failure to obey a reasonable and lawful order, and resisting or interfering with arrest after St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported domestic violence incident on Ronald Drive in...
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Former USAID Employee Pleads Guilty to CARES Act Fraud

A former U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) employee pled guilty in federal court, today, to charges stemming from a Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act scheme that enabled him to illegally obtain more than $176,000. Simeon Bakare, 55, of Waldorf, Maryland, pled guilty to wire-fraud charges in connection with the scheme....
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California Woman Faces New Protective Order Violation Charges After Prior Guilty Plea

Kayla Jean Gilliam, 30, of California, is facing three counts of violating a protective order in St. Mary’s County District Court after court documents say she contacted an adult male victim despite an active court order barring further contact. According to the statement of charges filed by Deputy Jacob Mills of the St. Mary’s...
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Public Asked to Report Marine Mammal and Turtle Sightings and Strandings to DNR this Summer

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources asks residents and visitors enjoying coastal and tidal waterways to remain alert for marine mammals and sea turtles throughout the summer and into early fall. Dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, whales, and other marine wildlife are regular seasonal visitors to the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, the Atlantic...
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Hundreds of Hawks Earn Degrees and Certificates at CSM’s 67th Commencement

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) celebrated the Class of 2026 during its 67th Commencement as hundreds of graduates crossed the stage to embark on new academic and professional journeys. Family and friends filled the CSM La Plata Campus to cheer on the graduates and celebrate their accomplishments. CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson opened...
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Attorney General Brown Opposes Federal Legislation That Would Weaken State Privacy Protections

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general and state agencies in opposing the Securing and Establishing Consumer Uniform Rights and Enforcement over Data Act (SECURE Data Act), a federal data privacy bill that would supplant the privacy protections provided by the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act as well as...
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Celebrate the Summer Solstice at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum

The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and provides more daylight than any other day. Celebrate the solstice season with extended evening hours and after-hours tours at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park on June 19, 2026. Visitors may tour exhibits in the...
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St. Mary’s County Board of Elections Shares Key Election Information

The St. Mary’s County Board of Elections is reminding residents of important upcoming dates and resources related to the 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election and notifying the public of an updated date for the pre-Election Day mail-in ballot canvass. The pre-Election Day mail-in ballot canvass, previously announced for June 1, has been rescheduled to Friday, June 5, 2026,...
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