Charles News

UPDATE: GoFundMe Added – House Fire in Lusby Under Investigation, No Injuries Reported and All Pets Accounted For

UPDATE: GoFundMe Added – House Fire in Lusby Under Investigation, No Injuries Reported and All Pets Accounted For

UPDATE 7/14/2025: The displaced family has lost nearly everything in this devastating fire. A GoFundMe has been started by family members to assist the 2 adults and 3 children. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Family, friends and neighbors are assisting, however, clothing and other needs lists will be added when they become...
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Bell Sports Recalls Bicycle Helmets Due to Risk of Head Injury; Violation of Federal Standard for Bicycle Helmets

Bell Sports Recalls Bicycle Helmets Due to Risk of Head Injury; Violation of Federal Standard for Bicycle Helmets

Bell Sports Bicycle Helmets Hazard: The recalled helmets do not comply with the impact requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) mandatory federal safety standard for bicycle helmets. The helmets can fail to protect the user in the event of a crash, posing a risk of head injury. Remedy: Refund Recall Date: June...
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Police Recover Stolen Hyundai and Apprehend Three Kids, Ages 12, 13, and 14

Police Recover Stolen Hyundai and Apprehend Three Kids, Ages 12, 13, and 14

On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 3:20 a.m., officers responded to the 2100 block of Crain Highway in Waldorf for the report of several juveniles walking through an apartment complex parking lot, possibly breaking into cars. When the first officer arrived, he observed the juveniles enter a Hyundai Elantra and begin driving away. Officers...
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Inaugural DNR Waterfowl Photo Contest Winner Announced

Inaugural DNR Waterfowl Photo Contest Winner Announced

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) selected Josh Montgomery as the winner of the Inaugural DNR Waterfowl Photo Contest, with his image of his retriever carrying a canvasback duck. This image will be available on a new hard-card license offered through the MD Outdoors licensing and registration system, and on the DNR 2026 Maryland Natural Resource Calendar. ...
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Minor Injuries After Vehicle Strikes Pole in White Plains, Over 1,400 Without Power

Minor Injuries After Vehicle Strikes Pole in White Plains, Over 1,400 Without Power

On Thursday, July 10, 2025, at approximately 2:32 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to area of Billingsley Road and Fawn Lane in White Plains for the reported motor vehicle collision with unknown injuries. Crews arrived on the scene to find a single vehicle into a utility pole with power lines down...
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Pomfret Man Arrested Twice in Two Days, Faces Over 45 Charges for Burglary and Theft

Pomfret Man Arrested Twice in Two Days, Faces Over 45 Charges for Burglary and Theft

Abdul Aziz Bah, 29, of no fixed address, has been arrested twice within a 24-hour period and is now facing more than 45 charges related to burglary, mail theft, and property damage across multiple locations in Charles County. On July 6, 2025, patrol officers with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 9400...
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Suitland Man Arrested in Waldorf Following Vehicle Pursuit, Break-Ins, and Loaded Firearm Recovery

Suitland Man Arrested in Waldorf Following Vehicle Pursuit, Break-Ins, and Loaded Firearm Recovery

Kent Leroy Smith Jr., 34, of Suitland, was taken into custody on July 4, 2025, after a multi-hour police response involving a vehicle pursuit, foot chase, home break-ins, and the recovery of a loaded handgun. Smith, who had multiple outstanding warrants at the time, is now being held without bond at the Charles County...
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UPDATE: White Plains Woman Charged with First-Degree Assault Following Stabbing in Waldorf

UPDATE: White Plains Woman Charged with First-Degree Assault Following Stabbing in Waldorf

UPDATE 7/8/2025: Delaina Kyle Sweet, 36, of White Plains, has been charged with first-degree assault and possession of contraband in a place of confinement following a stabbing incident that occurred on July 7, 2025, in Waldorf. According to court documents, officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded at approximately 12:27 p.m. to a...
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High Heat, Chance of Severe Storms and Flood Watch for Southern Maryland

High Heat, Chance of Severe Storms and Flood Watch for Southern Maryland

The National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC has issued a Flood Watch, a Heat Advisory, and Hazardous Weather Outlook for Southern Maryland, including St. Mary’s, Calvert, Charles Counties. The Flood Watch is in effect from 2:00 PM EDT this afternoon, Tuesday, July 8th, 2025, through this evening. IMPACTS can include – Excessive runoff may...
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MAWS Act Introduced As First-of-its-Kind Legislation to Facilitate Use of Invasive Blue Catfish in Pet Food

MAWS Act Introduced As First-of-its-Kind Legislation to Facilitate Use of Invasive Blue Catfish in Pet Food

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Vice Ranking Member of the Natural Resources Committee and Co-Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, to introduce the bipartisan Mitigation Action and Watermen Support (MAWS) Act alongside Representatives Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02). The bill takes aim at one of the greatest...
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Large Funeral Procession Expected for Firefighter Ronald J. “Ronnie” Wright

Large Funeral Procession Expected for Firefighter Ronald J. “Ronnie” Wright

UPDATE 7/8/2025: Today, Funeral services will held at 9:30 a.m., Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Gardens, with a procession leaving the station at 10am. Intersections along the procession route will be controlled by assisting police departments and fire departments until the procession proceeds through. Please follow their directions. We thank you in advance...
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Protect Your Dogs’ Health: Harmful Algae Mats Can Pose Danger to Pets

Protect Your Dogs’ Health: Harmful Algae Mats Can Pose Danger to Pets

As summer has begun, Maryland Department of Natural Resources scientists caution the public to be vigilant about freshwater algae mats that can sometimes be a health hazard for dogs and other animals. Benthic algae mats are accumulations of algae that can vary in structure and appearance, but are often dense, green, and fibrous. Benthic...
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Police Investigating Hughesville Man Killed in Fourth of July Crash

Police Investigating Hughesville Man Killed in Fourth of July Crash

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that took place in Brandywine Friday evening. The deceased driver is 48-year-old Gregory Wilson of Hughesville. On July 4, 2025, at approximately 7:00 pm, officers responded to the 15500 block of Brandywine Road for a single-vehicle crash. Gregory...
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Online Licensing Process for Maryland Waterfowl Blind Sites Begins July 16, 2025

Online Licensing Process for Maryland Waterfowl Blind Sites Begins July 16, 2025

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is again offering an online process for Maryland hunters to apply for a 2025-2026 waterfowl blind site license. From July 16 through July 29, 2025, hunters and riparian landowners may enter the annual lottery for the opening days of blind site licensing. Hunters and riparian landowners with a DNR ID...
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Charles County Couple Win $2,041,396 Jackpot on $30 FAST PLAY Progressive Ticket

Charles County Couple Win $2,041,396 Jackpot on $30 FAST PLAY Progressive Ticket

A Charles County man has become Maryland’s latest multi-millionaire after discovering a $2,041,396 progressive jackpot win on a $30 FAST PLAY Gold Rush Progressive ticket. The retiree explained that after purchasing the ticket at a liquor store, he scanned it and saw the always popular “Go to Lottery” message. He and his wife took...
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Police in Charles County Investigating a Murder on October Place in Waldorf

Police in Charles County Investigating a Murder on October Place in Waldorf

On July 3, 2025, at 4:23 p.m., officers responded to the 3000 block of October Place in Waldorf for the report of an unconscious male lying on the ground outside of an apartment door. Upon arrival, officers located the man who had a gunshot wound to the upper body. Officers and EMS rendered first...
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Southern Maryland Fourth of July Celebrations for 2025

Southern Maryland Fourth of July Celebrations for 2025

Calvert County: Solomons Island Fourth of July Celebration – On July 4, event begins at 10 a.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m., Solomons will host a full day of patriotic activities, including a flag ceremony, colonial reenactments, a children’s bike parade, boat parade, live music and fireworks. Festivities are centered around the boardwalk, Calvert Marine...
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A Soaring Success: Maryland’s Bald Eagle Population Recovery!

A Soaring Success: Maryland’s Bald Eagle Population Recovery!

For 18 years, Glenn Therres watched the recovery of Maryland’s bald eagles from the window of a four-seater plane. The long-time bald eagle biologist for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Therres had counted nests for the department’s annual bald eagle survey since 1985, when there were only 62 breeding pairs in the state....
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Police Investigating Fraudulent QR Code Scheme at Regency Furniture Stadium Parking Lot

Police Investigating Fraudulent QR Code Scheme at Regency Furniture Stadium Parking Lot

On Tuesday, July 1, 2025 the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and staff from the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs received a report from a citizen regarding suspected fraudulent activity involving parking payments at Regency Furniture Stadium, located at 11765 St. Linus Drive in Waldorf, MD. A preliminary investigation revealed that the QR codes affixed...
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Natural Resources Police Conducting ‘Operation Dry Water’ to Combat Boating Under the Influence

Natural Resources Police Conducting ‘Operation Dry Water’ to Combat Boating Under the Influence

This Independence Day weekend, the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) will ramp up patrols and enforcement efforts throughout the busiest boating holiday of the year. NRP will conduct its 17th annual Operation Dry Water, focusing on heightened outreach, education, and enforcement, particularly on the importance of sober boating. Maryland waterway users should expect increased patrols...
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Steer Clear Of Thieves For Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

Steer Clear Of Thieves For Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

Maryland State Police and the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council are reminding motorists to take proactive steps to protect their vehicles during National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month in July. Vehicle theft surges during summer, making it a risky time for drivers to let their guard down. In Maryland, a vehicle is stolen every 22...
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Charles County Sheriff’s Office Regrets to Announce Passing of Retired K9 Ryker

Charles County Sheriff’s Office Regrets to Announce Passing of Retired K9 Ryker

We are saddened to share the passing of retired K9 Ryker, a loyal partner to Cpl. Darin Behm (K9) and a retired member of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office who served our community from 2013 to 2020. Ryker, a Belgian Malinois, was a two-time Triple Crown Award recipient through the United States Police Canine...
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SMADC Launches Agricultural Lending Library to Boost Community Knowledge

SMADC Launches Agricultural Lending Library to Boost Community Knowledge

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, has created an Agricultural Lending Library for the Southern Maryland community to utilize. The Lending library is open to the public to check out books on agriculture for a two-week borrow period. The books found in SMADC’s Lending...
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Couple Charged with Credit Card Fraud, Identity Theft and Theft from Lions Camp Merrick Funds

Couple Charged with Credit Card Fraud, Identity Theft and Theft from Lions Camp Merrick Funds

Detectives assigned to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division have charged a former employee and a volunteer of Lions Camp Merrick, Inc., with fraud crimes in connection with a financial scheme that spanned a year and resulted in the misappropriation of over $36,000. In May 2024, the Sheriff’s Office was contacted by...
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Fire Marshal Investigating House Fire in Leonardtown

Fire Marshal Investigating House Fire in Leonardtown

On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at approximately 7:47 a.m., firefighters from Leonardtown, Second District, Bay District, Hollywood, NAS Patuxent River and Seventh District were dispatched to the 20000 block of Willow Bottom Farm Lane in Leonardtown, for the reported structure fire. A 911 caller reported smoke coming from the residence. A short time later, the...
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