Southern Maryland News Net

UPDATE: Two Dead, One Critically Injured After Tree Falls On Vehicle in Calvert County

UPDATE 2/23/2026: On February 22, 2026, at approximately 4:44 p.m., deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau responded to the area of North Solomons Island Road (MD Route 2) near Aspen Wood Drive in Sunderland for a reported serious motor vehicle collision. Preliminary investigation indicates that a vehicle traveling northbound on Route 2 was struck by a falling tree that entered the roadway. The vehicle was occupied by the driver, Michael Lee Simpson, 60, of Deale; front passenger,...
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UPDATE: Maryland State Police Arrest Owners Of Charles County Crematorium For Mishandling Human Remains

UPDATE 2/21/2026 : Maryland State Police investigators from the Criminal Enforcement Division made two arrests in connection with the disposal of human remains from a crematorium in Charles County. The accused are identified as Rosa Iyonna Williams, 48, and Brandon Angelo Williams, 50, both of Waldorf, Maryland. After consultation with the Office of the State’s Attorney in Charles County, both were charged with eight violations each of the Maryland General Health Article §5-514, unauthorized disposal of a body. On...
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UPDATE: Karen Krenzler age 69, Killed in Mechanicsville House Fire – Investigation Ongoing

A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office continues after a house fire claimed the life of a Mechanicsville woman early Friday morning. On Friday, February 20, 2026, at approximately 6:40 a.m., firefighters from the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding departments responded to 39580 Walnut Circle for a reported house fire with possible entrapment. Firefighters arrived within minutes of dispatch to find heavy fire conditions throughout the two-story...
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One Transported to Trauma Center, One to Hospital After Trash Truck Overturns in Indian Head

On Friday, February 20, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Smallwood Church Road and Marvin Drive in Indian Head, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a large vehicle. 911 callers reported a trash truck was overturned with two injured. Crews arrived on scene to confirm a single trash truck on its side with both occupants out of the vehicle, with no entrapment, and no fuel leaks or hazmat....
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VA Pauses Enforcement of New Disability Rating Rule After Nationwide Backlash

The Department of Veterans Affairs has halted enforcement of a newly issued rule that would change how disability compensation is calculated, following widespread criticism from veterans and advocacy groups who warned the policy could reduce benefits. The interim final rule, titled “Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication,” amends 38 CFR § 4.10 within the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). It was published in the Federal Register and took effect February 17, 2026. Public comments are being accepted through April...
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Waldorf Man Arrested After Armed Robbery at La Plata Tobacco Shop

Lloyd Michael Hawkins Jr., 39, of Waldorf, has been charged with robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and theft between $1,500 and $25,000 in connection with an armed robbery reported February 13, 2026, in La Plata. According to court documents, officers with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and the La Plata Town Police Department responded at approximately 10:10 p.m. to a reported commercial armed robbery at a tobacco shop on Crain Highway in La Plata. The charging documents state that...
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UPDATE: Investigation Ongoing – No Injuries Reported After Abandoned Trailer Fire in Lexington Park

2/15/2026: On Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 1:35 a.m., firefighters from Bay District, Leonardtown, NAS Patuxent River, Hollywood and Second District responded to 21000 block of Suburban Drive in Lexington Park, for the reported trailer on fire with unknown occupancy. Investigation determined the residence, an abandoned single wide mobile home in a wooded area located at 21476 Suburban Drive in Lexington Park, was unoccupied. The structure was completely destroyed as a result of the fire. The cause of the...
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Man Accused of Torturing Cat, Assaulting Girlfriend in St. Mary’s County

Casey Wayne Bridgett, 28, of no fixed address, is facing charges of aggravated cruelty to an animal, animal cruelty, animal cruelty—cause or authorize, and second-degree assault following an alleged domestic incident in Mechanicsville, according to court documents. The charges stem from an incident reported on July 17, 2025, at Medley’s Lane in Mechanicsville. A corporal with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence for a reported domestic disturbance. According to the application for statement of charges,...
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Charles County Sheriff’s Detectives Charge Three Suspects in October Murder Case at Westlake Dash-In on Smallwood Drive West

Detectives charge three suspects in October 2025 murder at Westlake Dash-In on Smallwood Drive West: Charles County Sheriff’s detectives charged three suspects in connection with an October 2025 murder case. On October 29 at 12:14 a.m., officers responded to the Westlake Dash-In in the 2000 block of Smallwood Drive West in Waldorf for a report of a shooting. The investigation showed unknown suspect(s) fired multiple rounds in the parking lot, striking two individuals who were standing outside a vehicle....
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Four Unified Bocce Teams from Charles County School Compete at State Tournament

Four Unified bocce teams from Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) headed to Hagerstown Community College Feb. 10 to compete in the state Unified bocce tournament. Of the 17 local teams, four qualified to move on to the next level. Two teams from La Plata High Schools, and one each from Maurice J. McDonough and North Point high schools recently placed at the district level to advance to the states. At Tuesday’s event, McDonough Team 2 placed fourth; La Plata...
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UPDATE: Suspect and Officers Identified After Fatal Shooting in Charles County

UPDATE 2/15/2026: The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General has identified the decedent and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) officers involved in the fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in White Plains, Charles County, Maryland. The decedent is identified as 36-year-old Demarcus Irish of Clinton, Maryland. The involved officers are identified as CCSO Sergeant Coulby, a 12-year veteran, and Police Officer First Class Kunz, a 15-year veteran. Both...
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Man Flown to Trauma Center After Accidentally Shooting Himself in Lexington Park

On Saturday, February 14, 2026, at approximately 9:28 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 46000 block of Franklin Road in Lexington Park, for the reported shooting. 911 callers reported a 21-year-old male had accidentally shot himself after a negligent discharge at the residence. Maryland State Police Aviation Command Trooper 7 was placed on standby. Crews arrived on the scene to find the victim with a single gunshot wound to the upper leg and confirmed a...
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U.S Navy Transfers Ten TH-57 helicopters to Sri Lanka Air Force

The United States Navy recently transferred 10 TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters to the Sri Lanka Air Force, strengthening the defense cooperation between the United States and Sri Lanka. “The transfer of excess helicopters reflects the United States Navy’s commitment to international partnership,” said Naval Undergraduate Flight Training Systems Program Office (PMA-273) program manager Capt. Duane Whitmer. “By providing platforms that still have significant operational value, we aim to support the Sri Lanka Air Force’s ability to respond to humanitarian...
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UPDATE: Lusby Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Murder After Firing Handgun at Two Victims Changing Tire

2/14/2026: On February 13, 2026, Khiantae Rai-Vaugh Marquez Robinson, 20, of Lusby, pleaded guilty in Calvert County Circuit Court to attempted second degree murder, first degree assault, use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, and concealing evidence of a crime. The charges stemmed from a drive-by shooting that occurred on September 16, 2025, on Golden West Way in Lusby. Investigators from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office determined that Robinson fired 2 shots from a vehicle...
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PG County Man Arrested After Multiple Cell Phone Store Robberies in Calvert County

UPDATE 2/13/2026: The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Melsun Shamel Perry, 34 of District Heights, in connection with multiple crimes targeting cell phone retail businesses in Calvert County. The charges stem from incidents that occurred on December 29, 2025, at the Verizon Wireless store in Dunkirk, and on February 3, 2026, at the Verizon Wireless store in Lusby. Perry has been charged in Calvert County with: Armed Robbery Robbery First- and Second-Degree Assault Organized Retail Theft Malicious Destruction...
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DNR Extends Maryland Commercial Oyster Season for Two Additional Weeks Due to Weather and Ice

Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources is moving forward with a two-week extension of the commercial oyster season to help watermen make up for lost harvesting opportunities after many waterways and parts of the Chesapeake Bay froze during frigid temperatures in January and early February. The change will extend the state’s commercial oyster season to...
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SMADC Launches “So.MD Livestock Breeders Guide” to Connect Local Producers and Buyers

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, is proud to announce the launch of the So.MD Livestock Breeders Guide. This new online resource is designed to bridge the gap between farm and field, connecting farmers, homesteaders, and consumers with reputable livestock breeders across the region. Sourcing...
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Sheehy Hyundai of Waldorf Donates $3,000 to the Southern Maryland Food Bank to Help Fight Hunger

Sheehy Hyundai of Waldorf recently donated $3,000 to the Southern Maryland Food Bank, supporting its mission to provide meals, emergency supplies, and hunger-relief services to individuals and families facing food insecurity throughout Southern Maryland. “At Sheehy, giving back to the community is a core value,” said Max Cho, General Manager of Sheehy Hyundai of...
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Honoring The Legacy of Historic Bluegrass: The Country Gentlemen – March, 22nd, 2026 Concert

The next concert in the Southern Maryland Bluegrass Series will take place on Sunday March 22 and will feature Calvert County’s own, Mike Phipps and his band The Country Gentlemen Show. It’s the fifth concert of the season and will take place at the Calvert Elks in Prince Frederick, located at 1015 Dares Beach...
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St. Mary’s County Government Announces February 23rd Closures – Public Schools Closed – NAS Patuxent River Restricted Access for all but Mission Essential Personnel

The Winter Storm Warning in effect for St. Mary’s County until through 10 a.m., February 23, 2026. Schools are closed. NAS Patuxent River, Webster Outlying Field, and Navy Recreation Center Solomons remains under Restricted Access for all but Mission Essential Personnel. SMECO remains working throughout the region with over 13,000 without power and over...
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UPDATE @ 7:45 a.m.: 100 Active Outages for SMECO Leaves 13,000 Without Power – Crews Continue to Work After Winter Storm Causes Damage Across Region

UPDATE @ 7:45 A.M.: SMECO currently has over 100 active outage reports, affecting over 13,000 customers. SMECO remains working throughout the region with over 13,000 without power and over 100 active outages. Some workers have been on shift working to restore outages for over 13 hours. View active outages or report an outage by...
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Maryland Under State of Emergency, Liberal Leave in Effect for Maryland State Government As Winter Storm Hits

Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Emergency as the threat of a powerful winter storm impacts Maryland through Monday, February 23. Travel tonight and overnight will be extremely hazardous, especially in areas under a blizzard warning. Marylanders are urged to avoid travel, to follow local forecasts, to stay prepared for winter storm hazards,...
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School and Government Closures for Southern Maryland on Monday, February 23, 2026

CALVERT: Calvert County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, February 23, 2026. Code RED for staff. CHARLES: Charles County public schools will be closed on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. There is a Code Two, which is a two-hour delayed arrival, for Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) staff who follow the code system. If needed, CCPS...
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Snow Emergency Plan in Effect for Calvert County – 2/22/2026

The Maryland State Police has activated the Snow Emergency Plan for Calvert County, effective 3:00 p.m. on February 22, 2026. Current weather conditions and forecasts indicate that normal vehicular travel is, or will soon become, extremely hazardous. Motorists are strongly encouraged to stay off roadways whenever possible. Doing so will allow emergency responders and...
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UPDATE: Winter Storm Warning in Effect With 3 to 8 Inches of Snow Expected for Southern Maryland

UPDATE 2/22/2026 @ 6:45 A.M.: The National Weather Service has upgraded our winter storm watch to a Winter Storm Warning in effect from today, to Monday morning, for Portions of north central, northeast, and southern Maryland WHAT…Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 10 inches. Locally higher amounts up to 14 inches are...
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Future Engineers on Display as CSM Hosts Regional Robotics Tournaments

Hundreds of students from across the region traveled to the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) in January and February to showcase their engineering skills during a series of VEX Robotics competitions. Separate tournaments were held on the CSM La Plata Campus for elementary and middle school, high school, and college level teams. Competitors demonstrated...
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Two Prince George’s County Men Arrested After Maryland State Police Seize Five Ghost Guns, Improvised Explosive Device From Home in Allegany County

Maryland State Police arrested and charged two Prince George’s County men with firearm-related charges after seizing five ghost guns and an improvised explosive device from a residence in Cumberland. The accused are identified as Darnell Demond Levy Jr., 21, and Paul Thomas Baylor III, 21, both of Bowie, Maryland. Levy and Baylor are charged...
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PG County Schools Employee and Dance Academy Founder Indicted on Alleged Child Sex Abuse Crimes

A Prince George’s County Public Schools’ employee made his initial appearance in federal court in connection with alleged child sexual abuse crimes. Xaviour Smith, 28, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, is charged with five counts of producing child sexual abuse material. Smith is also the founder of 1101 Dance Academy, Inc., in Temple Hills, which...
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PG County Man Sentenced to 3 Years for Assaulting MPD Officer With ATV

Gerard Stokes, 31, of Greenbelt, Maryland, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for driving an ATV into an MPD officer on March 15, 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Stokes pled guilty to one count of felony assault on a police officer in December 2025, in the Superior Court of the District...
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CSM Hosts “Private Sector Pivot” to Share Resources with Federal Employees and Veterans

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) hosted a virtual program last month for federal employees and military veterans to explore opportunities and local resources available to help begin a career in the private sector. More than 70 residents from across the region registered for ‘Private Sector Pivot,’ organized by CSM and local partnerships including...
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Governor Moore Signs Legislation to Prohibit Maryland Jurisdictions from Deputizing Officers for Federal Civil Immigration Enforcement

Governor Wes Moore this week signed legislation to prohibit State and local jurisdictions from deputizing officers for federal civil immigration enforcement activity. The law, created under SB 245/HB 444, is effective immediately. “In Maryland, we defend Constitutional rights and Constitutional policing—and we will not allow untrained, unqualified, and unaccountable ICE agents to deputize our...
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Be Part of NAVAIR’s 60-Year History: Focused. Faster. Fiercer.

Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is celebrating its 60th anniversary of supporting naval aviation this year and wants to tell your story. We are searching for current and former employees who have insightful, interesting or unique stories about their time in NAVAIR for use in videos, podcasts, feature stories, social media and more. Were...
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