Charles News

Governor Moore Declares State of Preparedness Ahead of Historic Heat Wave

Governor Moore Declares State of Preparedness Ahead of Historic Heat Wave

Governor Wes Moore today declared a State of Preparedness ahead of a heat wave expected to result in very hot and humid conditions, causing extreme heat risk across the state. Conditions will last from Wednesday, July 1st, through Sunday, July 5th, with the hottest conditions most likely Thursday through Saturday, requiring heightened awareness and...
Read More »

Deputies Say Man Found Sleeping in White Plains Home After Family Returned From Vacation

Deputies Say Man Found Sleeping in White Plains Home After Family Returned From Vacation

Marcus Antonio McCoy, 24, of Temple Hills, is facing charges of fourth-degree burglary of a dwelling and two counts of second-degree assault after authorities say he unlawfully entered a White Plains home and was later restrained by two adult male residents who found him inside. The incident was reported on June 20, 2026, at...
Read More »

Police Say Minor Had Access to Unsecured Firearms in La Plata Apartment After Road Rage Investigation

Police Say Minor Had Access to Unsecured Firearms in La Plata Apartment After Road Rage Investigation

Darryl Eugene Morrow, 51, of La Plata, has been charged with firearms access by minors, illegal possession of ammunition, six counts of firearm possession after a disqualifying conviction, and knowingly altering or obliterating a firearm identification number after Maryland State Police said a search connected to a road rage investigation led to the discovery...
Read More »

Charles County Construction Worker Nails $50,000 Bonus Match 5 Win

Charles County Construction Worker Nails $50,000 Bonus Match 5 Win

A routine stop for food turned into a significant moment for Jerry Baker Jr., of Charles County, who ended up winning a $50,000 Bonus Match 5 top prize. The La Plata construction worker considers himself a casual player, who purchases tickets on average once a week. He enjoys draw games, especially Bonus Match 5,...
Read More »

Southern Maryland 250th Celebration Marks Defining Milestone for National Heritage Area

Southern Maryland 250th Celebration Marks Defining Milestone for National Heritage Area

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area (SMNHA) hosted Southern Maryland 250: Liberty and Legacy, a milestone celebration honoring the region’s role in the American story and charting a course for its future. More than 200 attendees gathered at the Thomas Stone National Historic Site for an event that marked SMNHA’s most...
Read More »

No Injuries Reported After Boat and Trailer Strikes Vehicle in Charles County

No Injuries Reported After Boat and Trailer Strikes Vehicle in Charles County

On Saturday, June 27, 2026, at approximately 1:05 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Budds Creek Road and Glasva School Road in Faulkner, for the reported motor vehicle collision with injuries. Crews arrived on the scene to find a three vehicle collision, with a boat on top of...
Read More »

Charles County Woman Charged After Reported Strangulation and Assault at Waldorf Home

Charles County Woman Charged After Reported Strangulation and Assault at Waldorf Home

Stacy Lynn Martin, 35, of Waldorf, has been charged with first-degree assault and second-degree assault after authorities said she allegedly strangled an adult female victim during a domestic incident on Caroline Circle in Waldorf on June 24, 2026. According to documents filed in District Court for Charles County, a deputy with the Charles County...
Read More »

Clinton Man Pointed Handgun During Charles County Road Rage Incident in Waldorf

Clinton Man Pointed Handgun During Charles County Road Rage Incident in Waldorf

Aaron Ball Jr., 48, of Clinton, has been charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony or crime of violence after police said he pointed a handgun at two people during a road rage incident in Waldorf on June 23, 2026. According to Maryland State...
Read More »

Newburg Man Charged In $758 Theft From Waldorf Home Depot

Newburg Man Charged In $758 Theft From Waldorf Home Depot

George Edward King Jr., 58, of Newburg, has been charged with theft of property valued between $100 and $1,500 after authorities said he stole a pressure washer and related accessories from the Home Depot on Jefferson Farm Place in Waldorf on June 18, 2026. The charge carries a listed penalty of up to six...
Read More »

No Injuries Reported After House Fire in White Plains, Fire Deemed Accidental Due to Electrical Event

No Injuries Reported After House Fire in White Plains, Fire Deemed Accidental Due to Electrical Event

On Thursday, June 25, 2026, at approximately 4:55 p.m., firefighters from Charles County were dispatched to the 9300 block of Clifford Drive in White Plains, for the reported structure fire with possible entrapment. 911 callers reported a fire in the garage, with one occupant going back into the home. Crews arrived on the scene...
Read More »

Firefighters from Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s Respond to Large Sawmill Fire in Charlotte Hall

Firefighters from Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s Respond to Large Sawmill Fire in Charlotte Hall

On Thursday, June 25, 2026, at approximately 5:10 p.m., firefighters from Charles, St. Mary’s, and Calvert County were dispatched to the Beethoven Hardwoods Sawmill located at 8060 Beethoven Place in Charlotte Hall, for the reported commercial Building Fire. Many departments in Charles County were operating on the scene of a house fire when this...
Read More »

No Injuries Reported, Firefighters Save Barn After Large Field Fires in Mechanicsville

No Injuries Reported, Firefighters Save Barn After Large Field Fires in Mechanicsville

On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at approximately 3:25 p.m., firefighters from Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s County were dispatched to the 39000 block of Cooney Neck Road off Route 6 in Mechanicsville, for the large brush fire threatening a barn. 911 callers reported a large field on fire spreading and threatening a barn. Crews...
Read More »

Charles County K9 Mazli Retires After 5-Year Career

Charles County K9 Mazli Retires After 5-Year Career

This week, Charles County Sheriff’s Office said congratulations and thank you to K9 Mazli as he officially retires from CCSO. Mazli began his career on March 24, 2021, alongside his handler, Corporal Tyler Willis. Throughout his years of service, Mazli proved to be a loyal partner, skilled tracker, and dedicated protector of our community....
Read More »

Maryland History Lives on Through $50,000 Gift Donated to the Southern Maryland Studies Center

Maryland History Lives on Through $50,000 Gift Donated to the Southern Maryland Studies Center

The Southern Maryland Studies Center (SMSC) at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) La Plata Campus received a $50,000 donation from the National Society of Descendants of Lords of the Maryland Manors to support the preservation and study of records connected to colonial Maryland manors and Southern Maryland family history. The organization, which merged...
Read More »

Waldorf Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Assault and Rape of 13-Year-Old Victim

Waldorf Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Assault and Rape of 13-Year-Old Victim

State’s Attorney for Charles County announced that on Friday, June 12, 2026, Elmer Geovanny Marquez-Orellana, 27, of Waldorf, entered a guilty plea to Sex Abuse of a Minor and Second-Degree Rape. As a part of his plea, Marquez-Orellana will have to register as a lifetime Tier 3 Sex Offender. On January 19, 2026, officers...
Read More »

UPDATE: Police Investigating Two Shot at Friendly Tavern & Liquors in Waldorf; Victim in Critical Condition

UPDATE: Police Investigating Two Shot at Friendly Tavern & Liquors in Waldorf; Victim in Critical Condition

UPDATE 6/22/2026: On June 20, at 2:14 a.m., officers responded to Friendly Tavern & Liquor located in the 3000 block of Leonardtown Road in Waldorf for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located two male victims. The first victim was transported to a hospital for treatment of multiple gunshot wounds to the...
Read More »

Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Southern Maryland Until 9pm Tonight

Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Southern Maryland Until 9pm Tonight

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, Worcester and Baltimore City in MD until 9:00 pm. Scattered severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and isolated tornadoes are possible this afternoon...
Read More »

Man Flown to Trauma Center After Single Vehicle Strikes Tree in Waldorf

Man Flown to Trauma Center After Single Vehicle Strikes Tree in Waldorf

On Sunday, June 21, 2026, at approximately 4:55 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of 1020  Stone Avenue in Waldorf, for the automated crash notification with a male overheard moaning and groaning. While responding to the crash, an additional 911 caller reported a vehicle was speeding and crashed into...
Read More »

One Injured, One Transported to Trauma Center After Six Vehicle Collision Involving Motorcycle in Waldorf

One Injured, One Transported to Trauma Center After Six Vehicle Collision Involving Motorcycle in Waldorf

On Saturday, June 20, 2026, at approximately 4:40 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Crain Highway and Mattawoman Drive in Waldorf, for the serious motor vehicle collision involving a motorcycle and multiple vehicles. Multiple 911 callers reported a vehicle struck at least 6 or more other vehicles including...
Read More »

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2026: Shop Local, Celebrate Dad

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2026: Shop Local, Celebrate Dad

Father’s Day is a chance to celebrate the dads, grandfathers, stepdads, and father figures who have helped shape our lives. Whether they’re teaching us how to change a tire, helping with a home project, coaching from the sidelines, or simply being there when we need them most, Father’s Day is an opportunity to say...
Read More »

Maryland Department of Transportation Provides Ongoing Fatal Crash Updates During Summer Travel Season

Maryland Department of Transportation Provides Ongoing Fatal Crash Updates During Summer Travel Season

The Maryland Department of Transportation is Serious About Safety and launching, in partnership with the Maryland State Police, a joint summer initiative to publish fatal motor vehicle crashes statistics from across the State. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of roadway fatalities and encourage safe driving habits during the peak summer travel season, also known...
Read More »

Man Transported to Trauma Center After Accidentally Shooting Himself While Cleaning Gun in Waldorf

Man Transported to Trauma Center After Accidentally Shooting Himself While Cleaning Gun in Waldorf

On Thursday, June 18, 2026, at approximately 8:20 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 4600 block of Clayton Road in Waldorf, for the reported gunshot victim. The 911 caller reported a 41-year-old male accidentally shot himself in the left hand while cleaning a firearm. Bleeding control instructions were provided to...
Read More »

Watershed Education and Stewardship Grants Support Programming in Anne Arundel, Charles, and Prince George’s Counties

Watershed Education and Stewardship Grants Support Programming in Anne Arundel, Charles, and Prince George’s Counties

Two Maryland organizations will receive support for education and stewardship programming to enhance environmental education in the state. Outdoor education and stewardship funding is made possible from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant. Specific amounts will be contingent upon federal funding availability and approval. The following organizations were awarded funding through...
Read More »

MDOT SHA Performing Concrete Repairs on Benedict Bridge Starting Monday, June 22nd, 2026

MDOT SHA Performing Concrete Repairs on Benedict Bridge Starting Monday, June 22nd, 2026

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will perform concrete bridge deck (riding surface) repairs on the MD 231 bridge over the Patuxent River at the Calvert / Charles County line starting 9 a.m. Monday June 22. This weekday work, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will be completed by mid-July, weather...
Read More »

Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Melissa Decker Nominated for Fire Marshal of the Year

Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Melissa Decker Nominated for Fire Marshal of the Year

Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Melissa Decker has been selected as the Southern Regional Office nominee for the 2025 James C. Robertson Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year Award. She was nominated by Deputy Chief John Nelson, commander of the Southern Regional Office. Decker will join nominees from each regional office and the...
Read More »