Southern Maryland News Net

Officers Arrest Suspect in Aggravated Assault Case; Firearms and Neglected Animals Recovered

On July 3, at 12:26 p.m., officers responded to 10000 block of Penjack Place in Waldorf for a reported assault involving a firearm. The investigation showed that the suspect, Sir Leander Evans Gamble, 57, of Waldorf, confronted three individuals renting a trailer on his property and physically assaulted them. Gamble then retrieved a handgun from his residence, pointed it at the victims, and made threats to harm them. Officers arrested Gamble at the scene and obtained a search warrant...
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UPDATE: Lusby Man Arrested After Sending Thousands of Dollars for Explicit Images From Minor

UPDATE 7/6/2026: Jurel Daquone Leo Bowman, 32, of Lusby, is facing six felony counts of sexual solicitation of a minor after Maryland State Police investigators accused him of paying a 17-year-old female victim for sexually explicit images over several months in 2025. According to charging documents, the investigation began after the 17-year-old victim reported to law enforcement in November 2025 that Bowman had paid her approximately $4,500 for sexually explicit images between June 30, 2025, and October 21, 2025....
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Attempted Murder at Solomons Fireworks Puts Focus on Lexington Park Man’s Prior Release in St. Mary’s County

Devin Allen Miles, 21, of Lexington Park

Devin Allen Miles, 22, of Lexington Park, had already been arrested in a serious St. Mary’s County weapons case involving a ghost gun, ammunition, and a device investigators said could make the firearm fully automatic. He later pleaded guilty and was sentenced in July 2025, but less than a year later, Miles was no longer behind bars and was arrested in a July 5, 2026, Calvert County attempted murder case involving a stabbing. The key question is why Miles...
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Detectives in Calvert County Arrest Lexington Park Man in Solomons Stabbing

On July 5, 2026, at approximately 9:22 p.m., deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Solomons Island Gazebo for a reported fight involving multiple individuals. Due to the rescheduled Solomons fireworks display, a large crowd was gathered in the area. While deputies were responding, the Calvert County Control Center received additional information indicating that an individual armed with a knife had stabbed another person. Because of the fireworks event, the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office had a...
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UPDATE: Father Dies After Re-Entering Burning Home for 10-Year-Old Child; Cause Believed to be From Discarded Fireworks

GoFundMe for the family has been started. Click here to assist. This tragic fire not only took the life of Chris, but the family lost all of their belongings and clothing along with it. If you can assist, even just share, it is appreciated. UPDATE 7/6/2026 – Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal Press Release: Deputy State Fire Marshals are investigating a fatal house fire Sunday night in Hollywood that claimed the life of a father who re-entered his...
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Police Investigating 17-Year-Old Male Stabbed at Solomons Island Boardwalk

On Sunday, July 5, 2026, after the Solomons Island Fireworks Show ended, police were dispatched to the area of the Solomons Island Boardwalk near the gazebo for reports of a fight. Upon arrival, deputies located a 17-year-old male suffering a stab wound to the stomach. Firefighters and EMS requested a helicopter due to the teen’s injuries. Maryland State Police Aviation Command Trooper 7 was already on the ground at Solomons Volunteer Fire Department for an unrelated medical call. The...
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One Transported to Trauma Center with Life-Threatening Injuries After Golf Cart Accident in Calvert County

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, at approximately 6:57 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Peppertree Lane and Barberry Drive in Huntingtown, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a golf cart. 911 callers reported a golf cart rolled over, with one victim being unconscious. Crews arrived on the scene to confirm the information and requested a helicopter due to the victim being unconscious with agonal breathing. Due to weather, all helicopters were unavailable....
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UPDATE: Mechanicsville Home Destroyed After Lightning Strike Causes Fire; GoFundMe Started for Family

UPDATE 7/6/2026: The cause of the fire was a lightning strike. The fire quickly spread through the attic and second floor resulting in the family losing a majority of their belongings. Fortunately, no injuries were reported and all occupants were able to safely escape. The displaced occupants are being assisted by friends. A GoFundMe has been started and can be assisted by clicking here. 7/5/2026: On Saturday, July 4, 2026, at approximately 11:46 p.m., firefighters from Mechanicsville, Hollywood, Leonardtown, Newburg,...
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No Injuries Reported After Discarded Fireworks Causes Fourth of July House Fire in Lexington Park

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, at approximately 8:40 p.m., firefighters from Bay District, NAS Patuxent River, Hollywood, Leonardtown, Second District, and Ridge were dispatched to 48798 Wentworth Court in Lexington Park, for the reported structure on fire. Dispatchers advised they were receiving multiple 911 calls advising the houses garage was on fire, with all occupants out of the home. Firefighters arrived on scene within minutes to confirm fire showing from the attached 1-story garage with extensions into the two-story...
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UPDATE: Attorney General Brown Secures $8.7 Million Judgment Against Lead Paint Inspector for Fraud

UPDATE 7/3/2026: Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that a Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge has ordered a lead paint inspector to pay $8.7 million and permanently banned him from the industry for fraud. The ruling against Green Environmental, LLC and its principal operator, Rodney Bryan Barkley, follows Barkley’s criminal conviction and sentencing earlier this year for falsifying lead paint certificates and related environmental violations. The civil action, filed by Attorney General Brown on behalf of the Maryland Department...
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Indecent Exposure Arrest for Mechanicsville Woman After Welfare Check in California

Amber Louise Prusha, 38, of Mechanicsville, is facing multiple misdemeanor charges in St. Mary’s County after three separate incidents in June 2026, including two trespassing allegations, theft of lodging services, and indecent exposure. The earliest incident happened June 17, 2026, at a home on Woodridge Drive in Mechanicsville. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded around 10:39 a.m. for a reported domestic disturbance. According to the allegations, an adult male property owner told deputies Prusha had shown up unexpectedly...
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Southern Maryland Fireworks Displays Set for Fourth of July Weekend 2026

Southern Maryland residents will have several opportunities to celebrate Independence Day weekend with fireworks displays, community events, live entertainment, food vendors and family activities across the region. Several displays are scheduled for Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, 2026, with events planned in St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles counties, along with nearby Colonial Beach, Virginia. Friday, July 3 St. Mary’s Freedom Fest will be held at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds in Leonardtown. The event begins at 5...
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GoFundMe Started for Family of Ricardo Arias, Manager of Plaza Azteca, After Passing Away from Medical Emergency

On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at approximately 7:45 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the Plaza Azteca located at 22201 Three Notch Road in Lexington Park, for the reported CPR in progress. Crews arrived on the scene and confirmed CPR was in progress. Arias was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. In memory of Ricardo Arias, manager of Plaza Azteca. In support of his repatriation and final resting place. A GoFundMe...
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One Flown to Trauma Center With Life-Threatening Injuries After Crash in California

On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at approximately 5:13 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Three Notch Road and Patuxent Beach Road in California, for the reported motor vehicle collision with injuries. Multiple 911 callers reported a serious crash with at least 3 vehicles involved. Crews arrived on the scene to find multiple vehicles involved with one adult patient unresponsive and requested a helicopter. Maryland State Police Aviation Command Trooper 7 transported the adult...
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Juvenile Offender Who Raped Two 6-Year Old Girls Released on Probation

On June 29, 2026, a 13-year old juvenile was released on probation with electronic monitoring after having been found involved in the rape of two 6-year old girls. The Calvert County State’s Attorney’s Office, who prosecuted the case, recommended that the juvenile be placed in a secure “out-of-home” facility where he could receive treatment and counselling. Instead, the juvenile was returned to the home where some of the abuse allegedly occurred. Although the victims no longer live in the...
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Watercolor Blooms Painting Party Coming to Antoinette’s Garden in Leonardtown This August, 2026

Community members are invited to enjoy an evening of creativity, connection, and floral inspiration at the Watercolor Blooms Painting Party, taking place at Antoinette’s Garden Wine Bar in Leonardtown on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This beginner-friendly watercolor class is designed for all skill levels, including guests who have...
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Calvert County Health Department Announces Appointment of New Deputy Health Officer

The Calvert County Health Department (CCHD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Andrew Holter as its new Deputy Health Director, effective June 2026. Dr. Holter brings more than 20 years of experience in public health, public safety, organizational leadership, and government administration. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to...
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July is Park and Recreation Month: Celebrate “The Power Of” St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks

This July, join St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks (R&P) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) as we celebrate the power of parks and recreation in bringing St. Mary’s County residents together through play, nature, well-being, and belonging. Throughout the month, Recreation & Parks will celebrate the people, places, and programs that...
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Police Investigating Brandywine Man Killed in PG County Crash

The Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Monday afternoon in the unincorporated section of Upper Marlboro. The deceased driver is 23-year-old Juan Hawkins of Brandywine. On July 6, 2026, at approximately 3:30 pm, officers responded to a collision involving two vehicles in the 11900 block of Croom...
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Platform Aerospace Highlights Growth in St. Mary’s County With Hundreds of New Jobs

Platform Aerospace is excited to announce they are expanding its operations in St. Mary’s County to grow its engineering, design, and production space, creating hundreds of new jobs in Maryland over the next three years. “As our administration makes big bets on lighthouse industries and invests in Maryland businesses, companies can continue to build...
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St. Mary’s Planning Commission to Hold Public Hearing on Multiple 2050 Land Use Change Requests

The St. Mary’s County Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing Tuesday, July 7, 2026, to receive public input on several proposed land use category change requests tied to the St. Mary’s 2050 planning process. The meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. at the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in...
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Silver Spring Man Charged Following Kidnapping and Assault Investigation in Charles and Anne Arundel Counties

Detectives assigned to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division have charged Bryan Neal Gordon, age 27, of Silver Spring, in connection with a kidnapping and assault. On June 28, at 10:30 p.m., the victim arranged to meet an individual in the 2200 block of Old Washington Road in Waldorf. Once she entered...
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Incidents at Dunkin’ Donuts and Domoishi in Leonardtown Lead to Charges for St. Mary’s County Man

Donavan Dontrelle Johnson, 24, of Leonardtown, faces misdemeanor charges of malicious destruction of property valued under $1,000, disorderly conduct, and trespassing on private property after two separate incidents at Leonardtown businesses in June and July 2026. The most recent case stems from a July 3, 2026, incident at Domoishi on Washington Street in Leonardtown,...
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Police in Calvert County Arrest Driver Passed Out at Dunkirk Gas Pump After Finding Crack Cocaine

Calvin Dennis Craney, 65, of Upper Marlboro, has been charged in Calvert County with possession of a controlled dangerous substance other than cannabis and possession of CDS paraphernalia after a deputy responded to a welfare check at a Dunkirk gas station on June 19, 2026. A deputy with the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office was...
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Solomons Island Barge Worker Transported to Trauma Center After Injury During Fireworks Show

On Sunday, July 5, 2026, during the Solomons Island Fireworks Show, a 60-year-old male worker on the barge suffered an injury which required immediate medical care. Solomons VFD Rescue Boat 3 was able to transfer the patient to the boat from the barge, and transported them to awaiting EMS at the Solomons Boat Ramp....
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Deputies Say Calvert Couple Found With Heroin Weeks After Cocaine Arrest

Clay Andrew Burris, 28, of Dameron, and Cassandra Dorothy Foard, 28, of Lusby, are facing charges in Calvert County after deputies reported finding suspected drugs and paraphernalia during two separate traffic-related incidents in June and July 2026. Foard is charged in a July 1, 2026 case with possession of a controlled dangerous substance other...
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Indian Head Man Charged After Shank Found In Charles County Detention Center

Sean Patrick Heckman, 23, of Indian Head, is facing a felony charge of possessing or receiving a weapon while confined or detained, a misdemeanor charge of possessing contraband in a place of confinement, two misdemeanor counts of possessing a controlled dangerous substance other than cannabis, and one misdemeanor count of possessing drug paraphernalia, according...
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Police Investigating Hit and Run in Calvert County After Driver Strikes Downed Tree and Snaps Utility Pole

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, at approximately 9:46 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of 1660 Grays Road in Port Republic, for the reported motor vehicle collision with unknown injuries. 911 callers reported a vehicle struck a downed tree, with unknown injuries reported. Crews arrived on the scene to confirm...
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Man Flown to Trauma Center After Stabbing in North Beach; Police Investigating

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, at approximately 11:15 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of 3rd Street and Erie Avenue in North Beach, for the reported stabbing. Crews arrived on the scene to find a 46-year-old male suffering from multiple stab wounds to the chest and back. The patient was...
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Hollywood Man Arrested Again After Foot Chase While Awaiting Court Dates in Other Cases

James Robert Anderson Jr., 44, of Hollywood, faces several St. Mary’s County District Court cases involving misdemeanor drug possession, drug paraphernalia and theft charges, including three open cases from 2026 and one closed case from late 2025. The most recent case stems from a June 25, 2026, arrest in Lexington Park. Anderson is charged...
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Northern St. Mary’s County Suffers Damage After Severe Storms; Firefighters Respond to Over 60 Calls of Service

On Saturday, July 4th, 2026, firefighters, SMECO, County Roads and State Highway crews worked tirelessly through the high winds, heavy downpours, and constant lightning strikes in the tri-county area. In St. Mary’s County, firefighters responded to over 60 calls of service between 7:00 p.m., and 2:00 a.m., with the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department handling...
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St. Mary’s County Man Released After June Oxycodone Arrest, Earlier Assault Case Closed

Walter Jay Brown Jr., 47, of Leonardtown, was charged in two separate 2026 St. Mary’s County arrests, including a March second-degree assault case that has since been closed and a June controlled substance possession case that remains open. The first arrest followed a reported disturbance on March 15, 2026, at the Island Inn and...
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