Southern Maryland News Net

Maryland Department of Transportation Provides Ongoing Fatal Crash Updates During Summer Travel Season

The Maryland Department of Transportation is Serious About Safety and launching, in partnership with the Maryland State Police, a joint summer initiative to publish fatal motor vehicle crashes statistics from across the State. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of roadway fatalities and encourage safe driving habits during the peak summer travel season, also known as the 100 deadliest days. The summer months historically bring increased traffic volumes and crashes, as residents and visitors travel for vacations, holidays and recreational activities....
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10-Year-Old T.C. Martin Elementary School Student Flown to Children’s Center After Alleged Assault

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at approximately 11:45 a.m., emergency medical services responded to the T.C. Martin Elementary School located at 6315 Olivers Shop Road in Bryantown, for the reported injuries after a fall. 911 callers reported a “10-year-old female student was conscious and alert after she tripped and fell on her face.” The caller reported she had swelling to her thigh as well. EMS arrived on the scene and found the child was suffering from a serious injury...
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North Beach Man Arrested After Drug Dealing Allegations Tied To Tiki Bar and Plaza Mexico in Calvert County

Adolfo Lopez-Olguin, 42, of North Beach, has been charged with possession with intent to distribute narcotics, possession of a controlled dangerous substance other than cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia, and two counts of possessing or using a false government identification document after a Calvert County Sheriff’s Office investigation that began in 2025 and ended with a traffic stop in Huntingtown on June 10, 2026. According to charging documents, the case began after the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement...
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Convicted Drug Dealer on Parole Arrested in New Cocaine Distribution Case in St. Mary’s County

Joseph Valentino Thomas, 37, of Dowell, is facing new charges in St. Mary’s County after authorities say he fled from a traffic stop in Leonardtown and was later linked to multiple bags of cocaine and crack cocaine found near where his vehicle had stopped. Thomas is charged with possession with intent to distribute narcotics, possession of a controlled substance other than cannabis, failure to stop at a stop sign, driving on a suspended license and privilege, driving while suspended,...
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UPDATE: St. Mary’s County Man Arrested for Impersonating Police Officer After Pulling Over Cop in Silver Spring

UPDATE 6/17/2026: Melvin Andrew Oshea Pinkney, 43, of California, has been charged with impersonating a police officer after Montgomery County police said he used red and blue lights to pull over a covert police vehicle in downtown Silver Spring on June 15, 2026. The misdemeanor charge carries a possible penalty of up to two years in jail and/or a $2,000 fine. According to the allegations, a Montgomery County police officer and other members of special assignment teams were conducting...
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UPDATE: Police Investigating Head-On Minibike Collision That Left 16-Year-Old in Serious Condition, 19-Year-Old Dead

UPDATE 6/16/2026 @ 12:30 p.m.: On Monday, June 15, 2026, at approximately 11:21 p.m., Troopers from Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack along with deputies from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to Maryland Route 224 (Riverside Rd) in the area of Wilson Landing Road for a report of a serious motor vehicle collision. Due to the circumstances, TFC A. Sabock, Advanced Collision Investigator (ACI) responded to assume the investigation. A preliminary investigation conducted by Troopers indicates a 2021...
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UPDATE: Valley Lee Man Sentenced to 90-Years For His Role in Quadruple Attempted Homicide in Lexington Park

UPDATE 6/16/2026: State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced that Cameron David-Louis Curtis, 23, of Valley Lee, Maryland, was sentenced to 90 years in prison with 30 years of active incarceration for his role in the 2025 attempted murders of four St. Mary’s County men. Curtis was convicted by a St. Mary’s County jury of two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of attempted second-degree murder, four counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of...
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Home Destroyed and Two Pets Rescued After House Fire in NSWC Indian Head Base Housing

On Saturday, June 13, 2026, at approximately 7:10 p.m., firefighters from NSWC Indian Head and surrounding departments in Charles County were dispatched to the 4000 block of Parsons Road, located in the on base housing section of NSWC Indian Head, for the reported structure fire. A short time after dispatch, the incident was upgraded to a working fire as communications began receiving multiple calls reporting fire through the roof of the home. NDW Engine 201 arrived on the scene...
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VIDEO: State Police Make One Arrest – Police Stepping Up Patrols in Response to Shootings in St. Mary’s County

Following a series of incidents, including the shooting of two individuals, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office has deployed extra patrols throughout the Lexington Park and Great Mills areas. On Saturday, June 13, at approximately 6:32 p.m., deputies responded to the 46000 block of Hilton Drive in Lexington Park, where they located two males suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were flown to an area trauma center. One victim has since been released, while the second remains hospitalized in...
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Clover Hill Dairy Cheese Products Consumer Advisory Expanded Due to Continued Risk of Foodborne Illness

Baltimore, MD (June 14, 2026) — The Maryland Department of Health announced today an expanded consumer advisory for all cheese products made by Clover Hill Dairy, located in Mechanicsville, Md., due to possible Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) contamination. The facility has agreed to initiate a voluntary recall for all of its cheese products. The Maryland Department of Health previously issued a consumer advisory on June 3, 2026 for Clover Hill Dairy requesón/soft ricotta cheese products. Due to the public health...
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Lexington Park Man Charged With Felony Assault, Resisting Arrest and Disorderly Conduct After Incident in St. Mary’s County

Javontay K Nolan, 19, of Lexington Park, has been charged with multiple offenses, including two counts of second-degree assault, two felony counts of second-degree assault on law enforcement or emergency personnel, disorderly conduct, failure to obey a reasonable and lawful order, and resisting or interfering with an arrest. The charges stem from an incident on June 13, 2026, in St. Mary’s County. According to the filing, Nolan was arrested following an on-view incident investigated by Maryland State Police Barrack...
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Police in St. Mary’s County Investigating Multiple Victims Shot in Lexington Park

On Saturday, June 13 2026, at approximately 6:40 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 46000 block of Hilton Drive in Lexington Park for the reported shooting. Multiple 911 callers reported multiple victims shot. Maryland State Police Aviation Command Trooper 7 and Trooper 2 were pre-launched to land nearby. Crews arrived on the scene to find two males suffering from gunshot wounds. Police are investigating the assault and updates will be provided when they become available.
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Temple Hills Man Arrested for Stealing Crab Cakes, Shrimp and Lobster Bisque From Waldorf Sam’s Club

Lamont Anthony Campbell, 52, of Temple Hills, has been charged with theft of property valued between $100 and $1,500 after authorities say he failed to pay for several items at a Sam’s Club in Waldorf on June 7, 2026. The charge is a misdemeanor. According to charging documents, an officer with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded at about 1:05 p.m. to the Sam’s Club on Crain Highway in Waldorf for a report of a shoplifter in custody. Store...
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Waldorf Woman Charged With First-Degree Assault After Chick-fil-A Parking Lot Dispute

Jaia Sorrell Hardaway, 20, of Waldorf, has been charged with first-degree assault after an argument that began with a driving dispute escalated outside a Chick-fil-A on Crain Highway in Waldorf on June 5, 2026. According to allegations filed in the case, a Charles County Sheriff’s Office officer responded at about 10:46 a.m. to the restaurant for a report of property destruction in the parking lot. The adult male victim told police he had been driving on Smallwood Drive toward...
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Police Searching for Critical Missing Person, James Edward Harding Sr., age 83 Last Seen in La Plata

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is searching for James Edward Harding Sr., age 83, who is missing from the Ellenwood Park area in La Plata, MD. Mr. Harding has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He was last seen early this morning around 3:30 a.m. leaving his home. Mr. Harding, a retired police officer, is 5’9”, about 165 lbs., with gray hair and a gray beard. He was wearing a gray checkered jacket, white undershirt, dark blue jeans, navy boat...
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Two Arrested Following Thefts at Lowe’s and Aldi in St. Mary’s County

Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were called to Lowe’s in the 45000 block of Worth Avenue in California on Thursday, June 18, at about 1:39 p.m. for a reported shoplifting. Upon arrival, it was reported that a male subject entered the store, placed various tools and equipment items in a shopping...
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Prince George’s County Residents Invited to Town Hall on Future of Former Six Flags America Site

Prince George’s County residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on the future of the former Six Flags America site during a town hall meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy will host the meeting alongside G.S. Proctor & Associates and representatives from the 35V...
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Former Police Chief, PGPD Officers and Capital Police Officer Convicted and Plead Guilty in Connection with Insurance Fraud Scheme

A federal jury convicted a Maryland man for his role in conspiring to commit an insurance fraud scam. The jury found Davion Percy, 40, of Suitland, guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with the auto-insurance fraud scheme. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of...
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Man Transported to Trauma Center After Accidentally Shooting Himself While Cleaning Gun in Waldorf

On Thursday, June 18, 2026, at approximately 8:20 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 4600 block of Clayton Road in Waldorf, for the reported gunshot victim. The 911 caller reported a 41-year-old male accidentally shot himself in the left hand while cleaning a firearm. Bleeding control instructions were provided to...
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Watershed Education and Stewardship Grants Support Programming in Anne Arundel, Charles, and Prince George’s Counties

Two Maryland organizations will receive support for education and stewardship programming to enhance environmental education in the state. Outdoor education and stewardship funding is made possible from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant. Specific amounts will be contingent upon federal funding availability and approval. The following organizations were awarded funding through...
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D.C. Man Sentenced to 18-Years After Violent Multi-State Robbery Spree

D’Marrell Mitchell, 36, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 224 months in federal prison for his role in a violent multi-state robbery spree that targeted pharmacies and cell phone stores in the District, Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “D’Marrell Mitchell and his...
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MDOT SHA Performing Concrete Repairs on Benedict Bridge Starting Monday, June 22nd, 2026

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will perform concrete bridge deck (riding surface) repairs on the MD 231 bridge over the Patuxent River at the Calvert / Charles County line starting 9 a.m. Monday June 22. This weekday work, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will be completed by mid-July, weather...
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Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Melissa Decker Nominated for Fire Marshal of the Year

Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Melissa Decker has been selected as the Southern Regional Office nominee for the 2025 James C. Robertson Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year Award. She was nominated by Deputy Chief John Nelson, commander of the Southern Regional Office. Decker will join nominees from each regional office and the...
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New Concession Stand Brings Food & Refreshments to Chancellor’s Run Regional Park

St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Recreation & Parks (R&P) is excited to announce the return of food service at Chancellor’s Run Regional Park in Great Mills. Food and beverages are now available for purchase from a new quick-service concession stand located in the Hall of Fame Building at the center of the park....
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West Virginia Houseguest Sentenced to Prison for Sexual Abuse of Minor in Mechanicsville Home

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced that Collin Andrew Hixson, 35, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 30 years in prison with 10 years and 302 days of active incarceration for the sexual abuse of a minor while he was a houseguest in a Mechanicsville home in May 2025. “The Defendant was welcomed into...
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St. Joseph Catholic Church in Charles County Seeking Identity of Hit and Run Suspect That Struck Cemetery Headstone

The St. Joseph Catholic Church released the following information this week. “Seeking your help to locate an individual who caused damage in our cemetery. We believe that on Thursday, June 11, 2026 between 8:36pm and 8:50pm, the driver of the pictured car, hit a headstone and flagpole in our cemetery. The bumper and a...
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Fire Marshal Investigating Vehicle Fire in La Plata, No Known Injuries Reported

On Thursday, June 18, 2026, at approximately 3:05 a.m., police and firefighters responded to the area of 7570 Mason Springs Road in La Plata, for the reported vehicle on fire. 911 callers reported a vehicle was currently on fire, while parked on the side of the road near this address with unknown occupants or...
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Charlotte Hall Man Charged With Assault, Wearing a Handgun While Under the Influence

Charles Edward Karpiak, 57, of Charlotte Hall, was arrested on June 17, 2026, and charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and wearing a handgun while under the influence. The charges were filed in District Court in St. Mary’s County following an arrest by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. Karpiak is accused of committing...
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Deputies Arrest Lusby Man Found With Multiple Duster Cans and Collapsible Baton at Walmart in Calvert County

Richard Allan Watson, 57, of Lusby, has been charged with concealing a dangerous weapon, inhaling or smelling an inhalant, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance that was not cannabis after Calvert County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a drug violation at the Walmart on N. Solomons Island Road in Prince...
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Leonardtown Man Charged After Struggle During Dameron Search Warrant Service

Deshawn Campbell, 18, of Leonardtown, has been charged with obstructing and hindering, resisting or interfering with arrest, and second-degree assault after authorities say he struggled with deputies during the service of search warrants in Dameron on June 16, 2026. The charges stem from an operation at a residence on Three Notch Road in Dameron,...
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Deputies Say Suspected Crack Cocaine Found During Lexington Park Traffic Stop

Steve L Thomas, 56, of Lexington Park, has been charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance other than cannabis and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia after a June 2, 2026 traffic stop near Great Mills Road and FDR Boulevard in Lexington Park. According to allegations filed in District Court for St....
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La Plata Police Plan Sobriety Checkpoint for Thursday, June 18

The La Plata Police Department will conduct a multi-jurisdictional sobriety checkpoint on Thursday, June 18, 2026, within the Town of La Plata as part of an effort to reduce alcohol- and drug-impaired driving. The initiative is supported in part through grant funding from the Maryland Highway Safety Office. Police said the checkpoint is intended...
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