Southern Maryland News Net

14 People Killed in Maryland Traffic Crashes, Including Eight in July 2026 So Far

Following a deadly Fourth of July holiday weekend, the Maryland Department of Transportation and Maryland State Police are urging motorists to drive safely throughout the remainder of the busy summer travel season by following these important safety reminders: Obey posted speed limits and slow down, especially in work zones. Move over for any vehicle with flashing lights, or slow down if you cannot safely change lanes. Avoid distractions while driving – including phones, passengers and any activity that takes...
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UPDATE – DETAILS ADDED: Lexington Park Man Arrested After Attempted Murder at Solomons Fireworks Stabbing

UPDATE 7/9/2026: Devin Allen Miles, 23, of Lexington Park, has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, and second-degree assault after investigators say a juvenile was stabbed during a large fight near the Solomons Island Gazebo during a fireworks event on July 5, 2026. Deputies with the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office were called to the area of the Solomons Island Gazebo at about 9:22 p.m. for a reported fight involving multiple people. The area was crowded because of...
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UDDATE: Details Added After Arrest where 74 Animal-Related Charges Follow Gun Threat in Charles County

UPDATE 7/9/2026: Sir Leander Evans Gamble, 57, of Waldorf, was arrested July 3, 2026, and charged with first-degree assault and three counts of second-degree assault after three people renting a camper on his Penjack Place property told authorities he threatened them with a handgun and later assaulted them during a dispute, according to charging papers filed in Charles County. The arrest came the same day Charles County authorities were at Gamble’s property for a separate matter that later led...
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Two Vehicles Destroyed by Fire in Mechanicsville After Jumper Cable Mishap

On Wednesday, June 8, 2026, at approximately 9:15 a.m., firefighters from the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department responded to the 29600 block of Jennifer Drive in Mechanicsville, for the reported the reported vehicle fire. The 911 caller reported a neighbor was attempt to jump start a vehicle with jumper cables when a fire started. Crews arrived on the scene to find two vehicles on fire, with the occupant not injured and away from the vehicles. Firefighters extinguished the fire within...
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3-Year-Old Flown to Children’s Center After Near Drowning in Mechanicsville

On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at approximately 4:38 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the Wicomico Shores Public Landing located on Army Navy Drive in Mechanicsville, for the reported drowning. 911 callers reported a 3-year-old male was found face down in the water, with the child being awake and breathing at the time of the call. Maryland State Police Aviation Command Trooper 7 was placed on standby incase needed. Crews arrived on the scene to confirm...
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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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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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Governor Moore Spotlights “Delivering for Maryland” Tour in Charles County, Highlighting Investments in Chesapeake Bay Protection, Combatting Childhood Hunger

Governor Wes Moore continued his statewide “Delivering for Maryland” tour in Charles County, spotlighting state investments in combatting childhood hunger and restoring the Chesapeake Bay watershed ecosystem. The day included a visit to the Joseph Manning Fish Hatchery at Cedarville State Forest and a mobile food distribution site where the governor delivered remarks highlighting...
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Upper Marlboro Man Arrested After Calvert County Traffic Stop Leads to Drugs Seizure

David Lee Snyder Jr., 46, of Upper Marlboro, has been charged in Calvert County with possession of a controlled dangerous substance other than cannabis, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, and obstructing and hindering after a July 5, 2026 traffic stop near Town Center Boulevard. The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office said the incident...
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Mechanicsville Moose Lodge Members Detain Man with Criminal History After Trespassing and Purse Theft

Louis Eugene Messineo, 31, of Mechanicsville, is facing nine charges after police said he stole a purse from the Mechanicsville Moose Lodge, disrupted a poker event and was later found with suspected controlled substances. He is charged with four counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance other than cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia,...
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Lexington Park Man Arrested After Traffic Stop Leads to Cocaine and Oxycodone Seizure in Solomons

Deontre Dwayne Bradshaw, 39, of Lexington Park, is facing two counts of possessing a controlled dangerous substance that was not cannabis and one count of possession with intent to distribute after a traffic stop in Solomons on July 2, 2026. According to Maryland State Police, a trooper was conducting speed enforcement on Creston Lane...
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Prince Frederick Man Faces Trespassing, Vehicle-Related Theft Charges In Calvert County

Marvin Charles Dickerson Jr., 42, of Prince Frederick, is facing multiple charges in Calvert County, including trespass on private property, two counts of fourth-degree burglary theft, three counts of rogue and vagabond, and two counts of theft under $100, after deputies alleged he was involved in separate incidents in Prince Frederick and Lusby between...
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‘GATHER’ Launches As New Community-Based Healthy Aging Initiative

Partners In Care Maryland, Inc., in collaboration with Chesapeake Life Center, proudly announces the launch of “GATHER: Learn. Connect. Thrive.,” a yearlong healthy aging and social learning initiative. “GATHER” is designed to strengthen social connection, lifelong learning, emotional wellbeing and aging in place through accessible, community-based programming for older adults and caregivers across Maryland. At its core,...
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Sharkfest Returns to the Calvert Marine Museum with Live Sharks, Hands-On Activities, and Family Fun

Dive into a day of shark-filled adventure at the Calvert Marine Museum’s annual Sharkfest on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family-friendly event celebrates one of the ocean’s most fascinating predators with live sharks, interactive learning, hands-on activities, and prehistoric discoveries. New this year, live sharks will be featured indoors in the museum’s Harms...
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Upper Marlboro Woman Charged In Chesapeake Beach Wallet Theft

Tonya Evette Berry, 47, of Upper Marlboro, has been charged with theft of $100 to under $1,500 and obstructing and hindering after authorities said a wallet was taken from Abner’s Crabhouse Restaurant & Bar in Chesapeake Beach on July 5, 2026. According to allegations filed in District Court for Calvert County, a deputy with...
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Firefighters Quickly Extinguish Vehicle Fire in Lexington Park, No Injuries Reported

On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at approximately 7:12 p.m., firefighters from Bay District Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to the Tulagi Bus Stop located at 21800 Tulagi Place in Lexington Park, for the reported vehicle fire. Crews arrived on the scene within minutes to find smoke showing from a parked sedan with the occupant...
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Community Fundraiser Planned at Mechanicsville VFD for Family After Tragic House Fire; Vendors Sought

UPDATE 7/10/2026: A variety of local vendors will be on hand during the community fundraiser on Saturday, July 11, offering food, drinks, baked goods, boutique items, jewelry, and other specialty products. Participating vendors include Mouth of the Bay, Morning Star Bakery, Cookie Cakes by Sam, Retro Ranch Studio, Waddle and Company Boutique, The Pretty...
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Attorney General Brown Announces $45 Million Multistate Settlement with Block Inc. Over Deceptive Practices on Cash App

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today announced a $45 million multistate settlement with Block, Inc., the company behind the popular peer-to-peer payment app Cash App. The settlement resolves allegations that Block misled consumers about the security of Cash App, failed to protect users from fraud on the platform, and didn’t provide the fraud protection and resolution...
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Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Announces Small Business Lending Program, Competitive Round for Low-Cost Loans

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day announced the establishment of the Small Business Lending Program – offering four loan products to provide small business and community real estate development projects with the financial tools needed to succeed. Additionally, the Secretary announced that the first competitive application round for $14 million...
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Maryland Man Sentenced to 15-Years for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS

A Maryland man learned his fate in federal court, today, in connection with charges stemming from his attempt to join and fight for ISIS. U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson sentenced Michael Sam Teekaye, Jr., 22, of Hanover, to 15 years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for attempting to provide material support...
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National Weather Service Confirms EF-0 Tornado Touched Down in Calvert County During June 2026 Storms

The National Weather Service has confirmed an EF-0 tornado touched down near Battle Creek in the St. Leonard area of Calvert County during severe storms that moved through Southern Maryland on Monday, June 22, 2026. The tornado was listed by the National Weather Service as the “Mutual MD Tornado.” It touched down at approximately...
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Health Department Encourages Residents to Take Summer Health Precautions

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) encourages residents to take precautions against health concerns that become more common during the summer months, including tick-borne illness, Vibrio infection, and heat-related illness. Many residents and visitors spend more time outdoors during the summer for work, recreation, crabbing, hiking, sports, gardening, boating, and other activities. Simple...
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No Injuries Reported After Structure Fire in Waldorf, Three Displaced

On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at approximately 12:50 p.m., firefighters from Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to 3450 Williamsburg Drive in Waldorf, for the reported automated fire alarm. While responded to the scene, the alarm company made contact with the homeowner who advised their was a fire with the occupants evacuating the home....
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Police Say Goodbye Hug Led to Obstruction, Resisting Arrest Charges for Prince Frederick Woman

Alyssa Renee Coontz, 28, of Prince Frederick, has been charged with obstructing and hindering and resisting or interfering with arrest after Calvert County Sheriff’s Office deputies said she interfered while deputies were taking Terrell Devantee Atkins, 28, of California, into custody on June 30, 2026, in Prince Frederick. According to the allegations, a deputy...
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