UPDATE 8/30/2021: On August 27, 2021, at approximately 11:20 p.m. deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 23200 block of Woodland Acres Road in California, for the reported burglary with an individual shot.
Deputies arrived on scene and located an individual, later identified as Tavein Malik Dickens, age 23 of Lexington Park, suffering from a gunshot wound. Lifesaving measures were attempted at the scene and Dickens was transported to an area trauma center where he was later pronounced deceased.
Preliminary investigation determined Dickens forced entry to the residence through the front door after repeatedly banging on other exterior doors and windows around the residence.
As Dickens entered the residence, he was confronted by the homeowner at which time a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the homeowner discharged a firearm, striking Dickens in the upper body.
The investigation is ongoing and will be reviewed with the State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detective Daniel Sidorowicz at (301) 475-4200 extension 78043 or by email at [email protected].
Citizens may remain anonymous and contact Crime Solvers at (301) 475-3333, or text a tip to “TIP239” plus their message to “CRIMES” (274637). Through the Crime Solvers Program tipsters are eligible for an award of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St. Mary’s County that leads to an arrest or indictment.
UPDATE 8/29/2021: A spokesperson for the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the suspect has succumbed to his injuries. He is identified as a 23-year-old Lexington Park man.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is actively investigating the incident as a “Burglary/Home Invasion”, and the suspect was confirmed to have been shot while inside of the residence.
Updates and additional information will be provided on Monday, August 30, 2021.
If you have any information pertaining this incident, contact Crime Solvers. The Crime Solvers Hot Line is available 24 hours a day at 301-475-3333. You can also text “TIP239” plus your message to “CRIMES” (274637).
8/27/2021: On Friday, August 27, 2021, at approximately 11:26 p.m., police responded a residence located in the 23000 block of Woodland Acres Road in California, for the reported burglary with the suspect shot.
Fire and rescue personnel responding to the scene were advised the victim was an adult male with multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body.
Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office along with Troopers from the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack responded to the scene and found the suspect inside of the residence and confirmed he had multiple gunshot wounds.
The suspect was reportedly shot by a homeowner with a .40 caliber handgun when the suspect entered the residence, which was occupied by three people. One homeowner/occupant reportedly rendered medical aid to the suspect, and a tourniquet was applied by officers prior to the arrival of fire and rescue personnel.
A helicopter was requested, however, all helicopters were unavailable due to inclement weather.
The man was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries, and CPR was reported to be in progress upon their arrival at the hospital.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident. Crime Lab Technicians responded to assist.
Updates will be provided when they become available.
