St. Mary’s County has recently witnessed a troubling spike in criminal activities, leaving many residents anxious about their safety. A series of alarming incidents—including murders, attempted carjackings, armed robberies, and shootings—have raised questions about the effectiveness of local law enforcement strategies.
On a recent Saturday night, two separate attempted carjackings occurred in California, Maryland. The first incident happened around 9:34 p.m. near the intersection of FDR Boulevard and MacArthur Boulevard. A female driver was approached by several individuals, one of whom brandished a handgun and demanded her vehicle. Thankfully, she managed to escape unharmed.
Just two hours later, at approximately 11:42 p.m., a male victim at a convenience store on Three Notch Road faced a similar threat. Four masked individuals surrounded his car and demanded he surrender it. He also escaped without injury as the suspects fled on foot.
The community was further shaken by a murder at the intersection of Midway Drive and Wasp Drive in Lexington Park. Jovan William Medley, an 18-year-old resident, was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Law enforcement recently executed search warrants leading to the arrests of individuals on serious weapons charges. A 17-year-old in California, Maryland, was found in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun without a serial number and an extended magazine capable of holding 40 rounds. In Lexington Park, 20-year-old Kyreek Montrel Adams was arrested after deputies recovered a loaded Glock 9mm handgun modified to function as a fully automatic weapon.
Adding to the community’s concerns, a student at Chopticon High School claimed to have a firearm, prompting immediate action from deputies and school administrators. While no weapon was found, the student faces criminal charges, highlighting ongoing issues related to youth and violence in the county. Moreover, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement ahead of the county fair weekend, acknowledging numerous calls and information concerning threats of potential gun violence at the event. They assured the public that these threats are being taken seriously and are under thorough investigation.
While patrol deputies are responding swiftly to these incidents, many residents feel that the surge in crime indicates deeper systemic issues within the Sheriff’s Office leadership. The quick actions of frontline officers are commendable, but questions remain about whether current strategies and resources are sufficient to curb the growing trend of violence and crime.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office has urged citizens to remain alert and report any suspicious activities. Increased law enforcement presence is expected at public events, and community members are encouraged to participate actively in safeguarding their neighborhoods.
