Charles News

Officer-Involved Non-Fatal Shooting of Stabbing Suspect Armed with a Knife

Officer-Involved Non-Fatal Shooting of Stabbing Suspect Armed with a Knife

On September 12, 2024, at approximately 11:51 a.m., officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 14700 block of Bassford Road in Waldorf after developing information that a suspect, who had active arrest warrants stemming from a violent assault and stabbing of his elderly relative’s caregiver, was inside a house. A preliminary...
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Violent and Wanted Assault Suspect Released by Judge Within 24 Hours

Violent and Wanted Assault Suspect Released by Judge Within 24 Hours

On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, during the evening hours, Edwin Argueta-Tobar, 34, of Waldorf, turned himself in to the Chares County Sheriff’s Office. Argueta-Tobar had an active warrant for first-degree assault and second-degree assault in connection with a violent attack on a woman known to him. The facts of the case are as follows:...
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Keep Maryland Beautiful 2024-25 Grant Applications Now Being Accepted

Keep Maryland Beautiful 2024-25 Grant Applications Now Being Accepted

The Maryland Departments of Natural Resources, Transportation, and Agriculture, along with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, are partnering to accept applications for this year’s Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants program. About $327,000 is available for this year’s grant round. These grants are offered annually to volunteer groups, nonprofit organizations, communities, and land trusts in Maryland to support...
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Justice Department Announces More Than $690 Million in Violence Against Women Act Funding

Justice Department Announces More Than $690 Million in Violence Against Women Act Funding

Today, the Justice Department announced the awards of over $690 million in grant funding administered by the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). This funding will support services and justice responses for victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking across all U.S. states and territories and in many Tribal...
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‘Women on the Water’ Fishing and Boating Workshop Offered September 26, 2024

‘Women on the Water’ Fishing and Boating Workshop Offered September 26, 2024

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is hosting “Women on the Water,” a free introductory workshop on boating and fishing for women and girls aged 12 and older, at Seneca Creek State Park on Sept. 26th, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. New or returning boaters and anglers can receive information about boating education...
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Firefighters Quickly Contain and Extinguish Oil Fire in Mechanicsville, No Injuries Reported

Firefighters Quickly Contain and Extinguish Oil Fire in Mechanicsville, No Injuries Reported

On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at approximately 6:46 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to the 29000 block of Three Notch Road in Mechanicsville, for the reported outside tank fire threatening a structure. Multiple 911 callers reported a large oil tank on fire and threatening a structure. Firefighters from Mechanicsville, Hughesville, St. Mary’s County Emergency Services...
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Police Investigating Woman Shot at Waldorf Motel

Police Investigating Woman Shot at Waldorf Motel

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 11:41 a.m., officers responded to a call for a shooting at the Super 8 Motel on Crain Highway in Waldorf. When officers arrived, they discovered a female with a gunshot wound to her leg. She was transported to a hospital, treated, and released. A preliminary investigation showed two...
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Marbury Man Stabbed Police Officer After High-Speed Chase in Waldorf

Marbury Man Stabbed Police Officer After High-Speed Chase in Waldorf

Sean Gerard Estep, age 39, of Marbury, was arrested on September 8, 2024, following a high-speed chase and an altercation with Charles County law enforcement. The arrest occurred after officers observed Estep operating a Chevrolet SUV with revoked Maryland registration near a Hooters restaurant in Waldorf. Officer T. Brown, the arresting officer, initiated a...
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Waldorf Native Proudly Serves U.S. Navy Aboard Aircraft Carrier USS Ronald Reagan

Waldorf Native Proudly Serves U.S. Navy Aboard Aircraft Carrier USS Ronald Reagan

By Ensign Joash Ward, Navy Office of Community Outreach: Petty Officer 1st Class Ruben Melton, a native of Waldorf, Maryland, serves aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan. Equipped with a full flight deck and more than 60 aircraft including attack fighter jets and helicopters, aircraft carriers are one of the largest warships in...
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UPDATE: Passenger Succumbs to Injuries Sustained from Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision Involving Motorcycle in Waldorf

UPDATE: Passenger Succumbs to Injuries Sustained from Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision Involving Motorcycle in Waldorf

UPDATE 9/9/2024: Investigators were notified that Mr. Timothy Travis of Accokeek, Maryland was pronounced deceased on September 6, 2024, at the University of Maryland R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact the Duty Officer or Tpr. Gardner at the MSP La...
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62-Year-Old Male Flown to Trauma Center After Being Stabbed by Family Member in Waldorf

62-Year-Old Male Flown to Trauma Center After Being Stabbed by Family Member in Waldorf

On Sunday, September 8, 2024, at approximately 5:30 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 14000 block of Bassford Road in Waldorf, for the reported stabbing. The 911 callers reported a 62-year-old male was stabbed in the stomach by their grandson who then stole a white Mercedes-Benz from the family. The...
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Waldorf Couple Face Multiple Charges Following Incident in Charles County

Waldorf Couple Face Multiple Charges Following Incident in Charles County

Two residents of Waldorf, Maryland, have been charged with multiple offenses following an incident on September 1, 2024, that led to arrests by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office. Destiny Love Brettler, 22, and Davon Alonzo Dunn, 27, both of Waldorf, are both facing charges including assault and trespassing. Destiny Love Brettler, has been charged...
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Elementary School Meltdown Results in Drug Distribution Charges for Prince Frederick Woman

Elementary School Meltdown Results in Drug Distribution Charges for Prince Frederick Woman

On August 27, 2024, around 12:35 p.m., Deputy First Class Bradley from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Barstow Elementary School, in Prince Frederick, in response to a report of a disorderly individual. Upon arrival, Deputy Bradley identified the subject as Karla Yamith Rodriguez, 34, of Prince Frederick. According to the report,...
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UPDATE: Kevin Bonnie in Custody, Vehicle Recovered in St. Mary’s County

UPDATE: Kevin Bonnie in Custody, Vehicle Recovered in St. Mary’s County

UPDATE 9/5/2024: Bonnie is in custody, police have also recovered the suspects vehicle in Hollywood, located in St. Mary’s County. 9/5/2024: The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Charles County Sheriff’s Office, and Calvert County Sheriff’s Office are actively investigating recent social media threats made against children and police officers. On Thursday, September 5, 2024,...
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UPDATE: Police Identify Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Dump Truck as 38-Year-Old Waldorf Man

UPDATE: Police Identify Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Dump Truck as 38-Year-Old Waldorf Man

UPDATE 9/5/2024: On September 4 at 3:35 p.m., officers responded to the area of Middletown Road near Lyles Place in Waldorf for the report of a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. Upon arrival, officers determined a pedestrian, who was crossing the street and not in a crosswalk, was struck by a dump truck. The...
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$700,000 in Federal Funding Approved for 7 Fire Departments in Charles and St. Mary’s Counties

$700,000 in Federal Funding Approved for 7 Fire Departments in Charles and St. Mary’s Counties

In a major win for Southern Maryland’s fire departments, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin, along with Congressman Steny Hoyer, have announced that seven fire departments in Charles and St. Mary’s Counties will receive $707,877.04 in federal funding. This vital funding will enhance emergency response capabilities by upgrading equipment and improving safety...
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Traffic Safety: A Comprehensive Five-Year Crash Data Analysis – Part 2, Charles County

Traffic Safety: A Comprehensive Five-Year Crash Data Analysis – Part 2, Charles County

As St. Mary’s County continues to expand and develop, traffic safety remains a critical issue for local residents, law enforcement, and policymakers. Understanding the patterns and causes of vehicle crashes is essential to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Recent data from the Maryland Department of Transportation provides a detailed look at crash trends...
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Waldorf Native Airman Timothy Goldring Serves Aboard Aircraft Carrier, USS Ronald Reagan

Waldorf Native Airman Timothy Goldring Serves Aboard Aircraft Carrier, USS Ronald Reagan

By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach: Airman Timothy Goldring, a native of Waldorf, Maryland, serves aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan. Equipped with a full flight deck and more than 60 aircraft including attack fighter jets and helicopters, aircraft carriers are one of the largest warships in the world. Goldring graduated...
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Fire Marshal Investigating Shed Fire in Mechanicsville, No Injuries Reported

Fire Marshal Investigating Shed Fire in Mechanicsville, No Injuries Reported

On Wednesday, September 4. 2024, at approximately 1:35 p.m., firefighters from Mechanicsville, Leonardtown, Hollywood, and Hughesville responded to the 26000 block of Prospect Hill Road in Mechanicsville, for the reported structure fire. 911 callers reported and outside fire got out of control and is now involving a shed and trees, while spreading towards the...
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Taking a Second Look at the Impact of the Chesapeake Bay Passenger Ferry System

Taking a Second Look at the Impact of the Chesapeake Bay Passenger Ferry System

Southern Maryland, comprising Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s counties, stands on the brink of significant transformation with the proposed Chesapeake Bay Passenger Ferry System. Announced at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Conference on August 15, 2024, the findings of a feasibility study conducted by the Chesapeake Bay Passenger Ferry Consortium outline a visionary...
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Police Arrest Middle School Teacher with Stolen Handgun in Charles County After DUI

Police Arrest Middle School Teacher with Stolen Handgun in Charles County After DUI

On August 31, 2024, Dhonte Jamar Ford, 30, of Indian Head, was arrested following a traffic stop on Crain Highway in Waldorf. According to court documents ,at approximately 2:17 AM, Deputy Gordon was patrolling the area of Crain Highway when he observed a red Nissan Altima driving southbound without the required lights on. The...
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Hughesville Man Arrested After Breaking Police Officer’s Jaw at Waldorf McDonald’s

Hughesville Man Arrested After Breaking Police Officer’s Jaw at Waldorf McDonald’s

Jordan Christopher Williams, 21, of Hughesville, was arrested on August 30, 2024, following a disturbance at a McDonald’s located on Mall Circle in Waldorf, Charles County. According to court documents, Williams faces multiple charges, including assault, resisting arrest, and failing to obey a lawful order. Officers responded to a call about a disturbance at...
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La Plata Man Arrested After Breaking and Entering at Steeple Chase Community Center

La Plata Man Arrested After Breaking and Entering at Steeple Chase Community Center

On August 31, 2024, Patrick Lionel Adams, Jr., 30, of La Plata, was arrested and charged with burglary and trespassing after an incident at the Steeple Chase Community Building in La Plata. According to court documents, Officer J. Shaur of the La Plata Police Department was dispatched to the Steeple Chase Recreational Center around...
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No Injuries Reported After House Fire in Clements, Cause Remains Under Investigation

No Injuries Reported After House Fire in Clements, Cause Remains Under Investigation

On Monday, September 2, 2024, at approximately 7:18 p.m., firefighters from Seventh District, Leonardtown, Hollywood, Hughesville, and Mechanicsville responded to the 24000 block of Long Road in Clements, for the reported residential structure fire. Dispatchers advised the first 911 call was the home owner/resident reporting smoke coming from the residence with all occupants being...
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The Alarming Rise of Roadway Deaths in Southern Maryland

The Alarming Rise of Roadway Deaths in Southern Maryland

As we move through 2024, Southern Maryland is facing a troubling increase in deadly accidents on our roads. This past Labor Day weekend, instead of being a time for family and fun, sadly added to the growing number of fatalities. Multiple people died in crashes over the holiday, showing how important it is to...
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