Charles News

St. Mary’s County Jury Convicts Aquasco Man for Domestic Violence Assault

St. Mary’s County Jury Convicts Aquasco Man for Domestic Violence Assault

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced that a St. Mary’s County jury convicted Charles Giovonne Shanks, 38, of Aquasco, of all charges stemming from an April 4, 2022, domestic violence assault. Following a two-day jury trial, Mr. Shanks was found guilty of: • Count 1: Second-degree assault (adult victim) • Count 2: Second-degree assault (child...
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Police Seeking Assistance in Identifying Suspect Who Assaulted and Robbed Elderly Woman in La Plata

Police Seeking Assistance in Identifying Suspect Who Assaulted and Robbed Elderly Woman in La Plata

On Thursday, October 26, 2023, at approximately 2:59 p.m., LPPD officers responded to the parking lot of the Petco located at 19 Shining Willow Way in La Plata, for the report of a theft. The 68-year-old victim informed officers her purse was stolen while she was securing her dog in a vehicle, The victim...
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8 New Police Officers from Charles County Graduate Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy Police Entrance Level Training Program Session 52

8 New Police Officers from Charles County Graduate Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy Police Entrance Level Training Program Session 52

Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry is proud to announce eight new officers will join the Charles County Sheriff’s Office after their graduation from the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy (SMCJA) Police Entrance Level Training Program. The officers were among 15 candidates – three with Calvert County and four with St. Mary’s County –...
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Maryland State Police to Participate in National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct.28th

Maryland State Police to Participate in National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct.28th

Maryland State Police are asking people to properly dispose of unwanted prescription drugs during national drug take back day. Citizens can drop off unused prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28 at all 23 Maryland State Police barracks. Maryland State Police are participating as part of the 25th National Prescription...
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Charles County Public Schools Set Graduation Dates for Class of 2024

Charles County Public Schools Set Graduation Dates for Class of 2024

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) will celebrate the Class of 2024 during graduation ceremonies at Regency Furniture Stadium this spring. The ceremonies are set for May 28 through 31, and CCPS has partnered once again with Regency Furniture Stadium and the Charles County Government to provide graduating seniors with graduation ceremonies. High school principals...
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The Week in Winners: Big Winning Tickets Remain Unclaimed in St. Mary’s, Charles and Anne Arundel County

The Week in Winners: Big Winning Tickets Remain Unclaimed in St. Mary’s, Charles and Anne Arundel County

A $510,000 Multi-Match jackpot won on a ticket sold in Hagerstown, and two FAST PLAY tickets worth $124,754 and $121,527 sold in Leonardtown and Glen Burnie, respectively, were the biggest Maryland Lottery wins of last week. All three remained unclaimed as of Oct. 23. In all, 38 Maryland Lottery tickets worth $10,000 or more were sold or redeemed...
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Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 2024 Regular Season Schedule Announced

Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 2024 Regular Season Schedule Announced

The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball has unveiled the 2024 Regular Season Schedule. Fans can expect a summer full of fun and entertainment as the Blue Crabs are set to host ten weekend series throughout the 2024 season. These weekend series will be packed full of theme nights, giveaways, and fireworks shows every Saturday...
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Warm Winters, Low Water Flow Are Leading Factors in Poor Striped Bass Spawn

Warm Winters, Low Water Flow Are Leading Factors in Poor Striped Bass Spawn

Environmental factors such as warmer, drier winters and decreased spring water flow rates are likely driving forces behind the diminished spawning success of striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay, according to Maryland Department of Natural Resources scientists. Striped bass, or rockfish, have had low spawning success numbers for five consecutive years. DNR’s juvenile striped bass...
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Highest Number of NAVAIR Employees Ever Recognized in The Women of Color STEM Awards

Highest Number of NAVAIR Employees Ever Recognized in The Women of Color STEM Awards

Thirteen employees from across Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) – the highest number of employees ever awarded – were recognized at the annual Women of Color (WOC) STEM Conference awards ceremony Saturday, Oct. 14. The awards recognize outstanding women in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. “Women of color have been trailblazers in...
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Chesapeake Bay 2023 Young-of-Year Striped Bass Survey Results Announced

Chesapeake Bay 2023 Young-of-Year Striped Bass Survey Results Announced

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced results of this year’s juvenile striped bass survey, which tracks the reproductive success of Maryland’s state fish in the Chesapeake Bay. The 2023 young-of-year index is 1.0, well below the long-term average of 11.1. “The warm, dry conditions in winter and spring during the past several years...
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Charles County Officers Arrest PG County Man and Recover Stolen Vehicle, Loaded Handgun

Charles County Officers Arrest PG County Man and Recover Stolen Vehicle, Loaded Handgun

On Monday, October 16, 2023, at 3:27 p.m., a patrol officer responded to Western Parkway in Waldorf after a vehicle owner called 9-1-1 and reported seeing their car, which had been reported stolen earlier in the day, in the area. The officer observed the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop, but the driver fled....
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Police Investigating Attempted Armed Robbery of Student on Milton Somers Middle School Bus

Police Investigating Attempted Armed Robbery of Student on Milton Somers Middle School Bus

On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 2:39 p.m., a student at Milton Somers Middle School was riding home from school on the bus when another student produced a knife, pointed it at the student and demanded money. The student replied they did not have money and the student with the knife put the knife...
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Baltimore City Fire Department Suffers Yet Another Tragic LODD That Injures Four Additional Firefighters

Baltimore City Fire Department Suffers Yet Another Tragic LODD That Injures Four Additional Firefighters

On Thursday, October 19, 2023, crews responded around 3:35 p.m. to the two-alarm fire at a two-story brick rowhome in the 5200 block of Linden Heights Avenue in Baltimore City. The fire spread to three other dwellings. Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace stated one firefighter sadly succumbed to their injuries and an additional...
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UPDATE: Mechanicsville Man Charged with Arson After Attempting to Set House on Fire in September 2023

UPDATE: Mechanicsville Man Charged with Arson After Attempting to Set House on Fire in September 2023

UPDATE 10/19/2023: Samuel Tony Bryant, III age 21 of Mechanicsville was arrested on October 9th, 2023, and has been charged with Arson First and Second Degree, Malicious Burning 1st Degree, and Malicious destruction on property $1,000+ and is being held on a no bond status set by Judge Karen Christy Holt. Bryant has a...
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UPDATE: Detectives Seeking Leads and Information in Murder of Washington D.C. Woman Found in Waldorf

UPDATE: Detectives Seeking Leads and Information in Murder of Washington D.C. Woman Found in Waldorf

UPDATE 10/19/2023: Detectives are continuing to pursue leads and ask anyone with information about this case to contact them. Tipsters can remain anonymous by contacting Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. 6/10/2023: On Friday, June 9, 2023, at 6:40 p.m., Charles County Sheriff’s officers responded to Holly Spring Drive in Waldorf after a passerby, who...
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School Resource Officer Investigating Sexual Assault at John Hanson Middle School

School Resource Officer Investigating Sexual Assault at John Hanson Middle School

On October 11, 2023, a disturbance between students occurred inside John Hanson Middle School. School administrators and the school resource officer (SRO) were able to separate the students. The SRO initiated an investigation, which revealed a student was sexually assaulted during the disturbance. On October 13, the SRO identified the students involved in the...
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School Resource Officer investigating assaults at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School

School Resource Officer investigating assaults at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School

On October 16, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., two students from St. Charles High School went to Benjamin Stoddert Middle School and assaulted a student who had just exited the school. The middle school student was taken to a school nurse for treatment. Shortly thereafter, the student who was initially assaulted went to the gymnasium...
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Governor Moore Announces $69 Million in Federal Funds to Support High-Speed, Affordable Internet Access for Unserved Marylanders

Governor Moore Announces $69 Million in Federal Funds to Support High-Speed, Affordable Internet Access for Unserved Marylanders

Governor Wes Moore today announced $69 million in federal funding for two new programs to help more Marylanders access high-speed, affordable internet. Administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Office of Statewide Broadband, the two programs, Home Stretch for Public Housing and Home Stretch for Difficult to Serve Properties, are expected...
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Two Dead and One Child Injured After House Fire in Brandywine

Two Dead and One Child Injured After House Fire in Brandywine

On Monday, October 16, 2023, at approximately 8:27 p.m., firefighters in Prince George’s and Charles County responded to the 13000 Block of Martin Road in Brandywine, for the reported working house fire. First arriving units arrived on the scene to find a two-story residence fully involved with reports of entrapment. During operations, firefighters discovered...
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Narcotics Enforcement Detectives Charge Suspect in Fatal Fentanyl Overdose Case

Narcotics Enforcement Detectives Charge Suspect in Fatal Fentanyl Overdose Case

Charles County Sheriff’s detectives assigned to the Narcotics Enforcement Section have arrested and charged a suspect with manslaughter in connection with a fatal fentanyl overdose. On December 12, 2022, George Liddle Jr., age 20, died as a result of a fentanyl overdose in Marbury, MD. Detectives initiated an investigation and were able to identify...
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School Resource Officer investigating altercation on school bus involving students from La Plata High School

School Resource Officer investigating altercation on school bus involving students from La Plata High School

On Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 2:30 p.m., three students from La Plata High School were engaged in a physical altercation while on the school bus. The bus driver pulled over and officers from the CCSO and La Plata Police responded. The students were separated. The school resource officer has initiated an investigation. Two...
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Southern Maryland Volunteer Fireman’s Association Antique Fire Apparatus Muster on Sunday, October 15th, 2023

Southern Maryland Volunteer Fireman’s Association Antique Fire Apparatus Muster on Sunday, October 15th, 2023

The Southern Maryland Volunteer Fireman’s Association will host an Antique Fire Apparatus Muster on Sunday the 15th of October at the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute, 10375 Audie Lane in LaPlata Maryland. The event will run from 10:00 a.m., to 3:00 p.m., and will feature everything from 1800’s vintage hand drawn units to more...
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Charles County Police Investigating Indecent Exposure Report, Crime Solvers Offering Cash Reward

Charles County Police Investigating Indecent Exposure Report, Crime Solvers Offering Cash Reward

On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., a woman was walking in the area of Hampshire Lake in Waldorf when an unknown male exposed himself to her. The victim ran away and the suspect fled on a bicycle. Officers canvassed the area, but the suspect was not located. The victim described the suspect...
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Six Teens Arrested After Assault and Robbery in Waldorf

Six Teens Arrested After Assault and Robbery in Waldorf

On Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 2:50 p.m., officers responded to Mall Circle for the report of an assault in progress inside a business. As officers were responding, the suspects fled on foot. Witnesses reported seeing some of the suspects armed with what appeared to be a gun. Officers located the suspects nearby and...
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MDOT SHA Urges Drivers to Be Cautious This Autumn and Drive Safe!

MDOT SHA Urges Drivers to Be Cautious This Autumn and Drive Safe!

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is reminding motorists to use extra caution during the autumn months. With milder temperatures, motorists should expect to see more pedestrians and bicyclists along the roadways. White-tailed deer mating season, falling leaves and less visibility with later sunrises and early sunsets are among some of the...
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