Zachary Dylan Ward, 27, of Mechanicsville, and Bryan Keith Kelley, 36, of Charlotte Hall
Zachary Dylan Ward, 27, of Mechanicsville, and Bryan Keith Kelley, 36, of Charlotte Hall, are facing multiple criminal charges including assault, theft, and property destruction following an alleged incident at a Charlotte Hall park-and-ride, according to court documents.
Charging documents state that Ward is charged with malicious destruction of property valued over $1,000, second-degree assault, rogue and vagabond, and theft between $100 and $1,500. Kelley faces charges of second-degree assault, rogue and vagabond, and theft between $100 and $1,500.
According to statements of probable cause, Maryland State Police responded on April 24, 2026, to the Leonardtown barrack on Leonard Hall Drive for a reported road rage incident tied to an earlier confrontation. Troopers observed Ward arrive in a vehicle followed by another individual who exited and was described as “extremely hostile and agitated,” repeatedly yelling, “THEY ROBBED MY SON.”
Investigators later learned the situation stemmed from an earlier encounter involving a male juvenile victim. According to court records, Ward told police he had been alerted that the juvenile was at his residence and asked him to leave. The juvenile initially refused but later left without incident. Ward and Kelley then went to the Golden Beach Road park-and-ride in Charlotte Hall, believing the juvenile might be there.
At that location, authorities say an argument began between the parties. According to the juvenile victim’s statement, Ward allegedly entered the bed of the victim’s vehicle and removed several fishing rods and reels, placing them into his own truck. The victim also reported that Ward entered the vehicle and removed additional items, including a pair of shoes.
The situation escalated physically when the victim reported that Ward grabbed him near the upper torso, while Kelley allegedly pushed him in the chest and shoulder area. The victim stated he was able to break free, remove his clothing, and flee on foot to avoid further confrontation.
Court documents allege that Ward later returned to the parking lot, placed the fishing rods on the ground, and drove over them with his vehicle, causing significant damage. The value of the damaged rods and reels was estimated at approximately $1,100.
Authorities also reported that a set of keys and an Apple AirTag belonging to the victim were taken. The keys were later located in a nearby field after an extensive search. According to police, Kelley admitted to removing the keys from the vehicle and throwing them into the field.
Investigators state that both Ward and Kelley were advised of their rights and spoke with troopers. Ward allegedly admitted to running over the fishing rods and removing items from the vehicle.
Both men were arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center.
Initial appearance documents show both defendants waived their right to an attorney for that hearing and were each released on a $3,000 unsecured bond with conditions that they not engage in criminal activity and appear in court as required.
