Southern Maryland News Net

Firefighters Respond to Residential Fire Alarm and Find Basement Fire, State Fire Marshal Investigating Cause

On Friday, June 5, 2026, firefighters from Solomons responded to the 13600 block of Dowell Road in Solomons, for an automated 911 call for a fire alarm sounding in the residence. Initial dispatch information indicated that smoke alarms were sounding inside a single-family residence while the caller was away from the home. Units from Solomons arrived to find a single-family dwelling with nothing evident from the exterior. After further investigation, crews found smoke conditions inside the residence and began...
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Family Displaced and One Pet Killed After Huntingtown House Fire; Assistance Requested for Occupants

On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 8:35 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services from Calvert and Anne Arundel Counties were dispatched to the 500 block of Small Reward Road in Huntingtown, for the reported possible structure fire. While responding, dispatchers upgraded the assignment to a working fire dispatch after multiple 911 callers reported the house was on fire. Crews arrived on the scene to find fire showing from the first and second floor of 3090 Mayberry Avenue, and...
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Running Lights and Siren While Late for Work, Waldorf Man Arrested for Impersonating Police Officer

Jimmy Darrell Broyles-Kennedy, 55, of Waldorf, has been charged with impersonation of a police officer after Maryland State Police said he used emergency lights and a siren while driving a personal Chevrolet Tahoe in Charles County. The charge carries a possible penalty of up to two years in jail and/or a $2,000 fine. The incident happened on June 5, 2026, at about 7:19 a.m., as a Maryland State Police trooper was responding to a motor vehicle crash near Route...
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UPDATE: 18-Year-Old and Juvenile Arrested After Stealing Vehicle and Leading Police on Chase in Leonardtown; Deputy Flown to Trauma Center After Crash

UPDATE 6/8/2026: Charging Documents Added: Judge James Tanavage released Deshawn Anthony Carey on his own recognizance. Deshawn Anthony Carey, 18, of Lexington Park, has been charged with theft of $25,000 to under $100,000, theft of $1,500 to under $25,000, motor vehicle unlawful taking, four counts of theft of $100 to under $1,500, two counts of theft less than $100, stealing another person’s credit card, and malicious destruction of property valued at $1,000 or more after authorities say a stolen...
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Blue Angels to Headline 2026 Pax River Air Show at NAS Patuxent River

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and a full lineup of military and civilian aviation performers are scheduled to take to the skies during the 2026 Pax River Air Show, set for Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. The free, public event will feature the Blue Angels, the F-16 Viper Demo Team, Larry Kelley’s B-25 “Panchito,” Greg Colyer’s Ace Maker, RJ Gritter, Mike Goulian, and the Scott Yoak and Jim Tobul “Class...
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Man Flown to Trauma Center After Motorcycle Crash in California

On Sunday, June 7, 2026, at approximately 5:35 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to Three Notch Road and Town Creek Drive in California, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a motorcycle. Crews arrived on the scene to find a single motorcyclist laying in the roadway after striking a SUV from behind. Firefighters found the operator going in and out of consciousness and requested a helicopter to land nearby. Maryland State Police Aviation Command launched Trooper...
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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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St. Charles Closes Out The 2026 CCPS Graduation Season With A Dose of Empathy

The Spartans of St. Charles High School brought with them a wealth of memories June 4 during the graduation ceremony for the school’s Class of 2026. Led by valedictorian Carly Newman and salutatorian Ryan Gloria, 396 St. Charles graduates earned more than $31 million in scholarship offers. Newman asked her fellow graduates to go...
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Man Indicted for Murdering His Stepfather Following Argument

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating a now domestic-related murder that occurred in April. The suspect is 47-year-old Delvin Graham of Oxon Hill. He has been indicted for murdering his stepfather, 79-year-old James Venable of Oxon Hill. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner recently ruled his death a homicide....
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Four Charles County Public School Teams Rise To The Challenge at State MESA Day Competition

Four Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) teams placed at the state MESA Day competition last month at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. The Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) competition challenges students in elementary through high school to use ingenuity and creativity to tackle specific science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) challenges. Teams...
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The Week in Winners: $1 Million Scratch-Off in Hyattsville Tops Largest Lottery Prizes of the Week

A Maryland Lottery scratch-off sold in Hyattsville delivered a $1 million prize last week, while another ticket in Leonardtown produced a $100,000 win. In addition, one lucky Pick 5 player purchased three $50,000 winning tickets in Charles County. During the week of June 1-7, a total of 23 tickets statewide delivered prizes of $10,000...
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‘Come S.I.T. Awhile’ A Free Grief Retreat to Help Women in The Community Find Healing

Chesapeake Life Center is excited to host “Come S.I.T. Awhile,” a grief retreat from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 25 at the Center for Hope & Healing on Hospice of the Chesapeake’s John & Cathy Belcher Campus, Pasadena, Maryland. The retreat is made possible by Sisters In Truth, a traveling seminar retreat organization...
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Charles Commissioner President Candidate Released on Bond in VanGo Bus Case

Vontasha Romechia Simms, 58, of Waldorf, an active Democratic candidate for Charles County Commissioner President, is scheduled for a July 10, 2026, status hearing in Charles County District Court in connection with misdemeanor charges from a November 2025 VanGo bus incident in La Plata. The case remains active months after Simms’ arrest because of...
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St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks Announces 2026 Friday Summer Skate Calendar & Themes

St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks is excited to announce the return of Friday Summer Skate at Leonard Hall Recreation Center. The Summer Skate season begins Friday, June 26, 2026, and continues through August 14, 2026. Each Friday, families can enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of roller skating in the indoor arena from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.,...
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Three Women Charged After Fight, Handgun Scare At California Wawa

Taniya Marie Jordan, 21, of Great Mills, Haley Alexis Revolorio, 21, of Great Mills, and Tashanna Diamond Meath-Butler, 25, of Waldorf, were charged after St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a large crowd and multiple disturbances at the Wawa on Three Notch Road in California on May 23, 2026. The charges stem...
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St. Mary’s County Government Operations for Juneteenth – June 19, 2026

All St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) administrative offices will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. Offices will resume normal operating schedules on Monday, June 22, 2026. The June 19 closure also includes: All three St. Mary’s County Libraries (Charlotte Hall, Leonardtown, and Lexington Park) All three Senior Activity Centers (Garvey, Loffler, and...
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Maryland Forest Service’s Large-Scale Tree Planting Expands Riparian Buffer at Newtowne Neck State Park

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) completed a 71-acre planting project at Newtowne Neck State Park in St. Mary’s County in April that will help prevent rain runoff from reaching the Potomac River. The Maryland Forest Service oversaw the planting of 31,990 native seedlings across 15 fields along the park’s edge. The project expanded the riparian buffer,...
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CSM Hosts Forum to ‘Unlock the Future’ of Quantum Technology in Southern Maryland

As quantum technology begins to reshape the future workforce, the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) is working with industry and economic leaders to prepare students to enter this emerging field. On May 20, CSM hosted the Southern Maryland Regional Quantum Forum: Unlocking the Future, to develop training pathways for emerging quantum careers. The forum...
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20-Year-Old Waldorf Man Sentenced to 6-Years in Prison After Facebook Marketplace Armed Robbery

Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Thursday, June 4, 2026, Charles County Circuit Court Judge H. James West sentenced Jason Shawn Smoot, Jr., 20, to 6 years in prison for Robbery. Upon release, Smoot will be on supervised probation for a period of five years. If he violates the terms...
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Three Davis Middle School Students Cited for Consuming Alcohol

On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, school administrators and the school resource officer at Davis Middle School learned that a 12-year-old student had brought energy drinks mixed with alcohol in plastic bottles with the intent to sell them at school. Further investigation showed that two additional students, ages 11 and 12, had consumed the drinks...
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Governor Moore Signs Executive Order Creating Immigrant Rights Protection Task Force

Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order to create a 12-month statewide task force on immigrant rights protection. The task force brings together State agencies in partnership with the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Comptroller, and other state leaders to coordinate efforts to address the fraud and exploitation of immigrant Marylanders. Immigrants...
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Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department Places Their New Raft Into Service to Expand Water Rescue Capabilities

On Monday, June 1st, 2026, the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department officially placed Raft 2 into active service. Raft 2 is a 2025 INMAR 380-SR 12’6″ inflatable boat featuring rugged Hypalon-neoprene construction and a durable aluminum floor. It is powered by a 30-horsepower Tohatsu four-stroke outboard motor equipped with a specialized prop guard for personnel...
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A Message from The Humane Society of Charles County

“A Message to Our Community Dear Friends, Supporters, Volunteers, Adopters, and Animal Advocates, My name is Dr. Lisa Connors, and I am honored to begin serving as President of the Humane Society of Charles County, effective June 4, 2026. As we move forward together, I want to thank our community for its passion, advocacy,...
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Charles County Man Indicted After Attacking Two TSA Officers, a Bystander and Two Kids at Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Airport

A Charles County, Maryland, man faces indictment in connection with an attack on two federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at the Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Airport. Cornelius Queen, 32, is charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers and interfering with security screening personnel at the airport. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the...
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