Southern Maryland News Net

No Injuries Reported After Lithium Ion Battery Explodes, Causing Garage Fire in California

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, at approximately 8:00 a.m., firefighters from Bay District Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to the 45000 block of Patuxent Lane in California, for the reported explosion investigation. 911 callers reported something exploded in their garage, with no smoke or fire, and no injuries reported. Three minutes later, the incident was upgraded to an explosion, non-dwelling structure fire after callers reported a fire in the garage. Police, emergency medical services, along with firefighters from Bay...
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UPDATE: Speed and Alcohol Factors in Serious Head-on Collision in Valley Lee

UPDATE 7/11/2026: On Friday, July 10, 2026, at approximately 3:55 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services were dispatched to a serious motor vehicle collision in the area of Piney Point Road and Drayden Road. Crews arrived to find two vehicles involved in a head-on collision, with two individuals trapped and one unconscious. The preliminary investigation indicates that a 2017 white Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Robert Lumpkins, 38, of Leonardtown, was traveling northbound on Piney Point Road when it...
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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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Governor Moore Unveils Maryland’s New Highway Safety Campaign, “Slow The Fast Down”

Governor Moore announced the launch of “Slow the Fast Down,” a new safe driving campaign to reduce the number of fatalities associated with speeding. “The safety of Marylanders is my number one priority,” said Gov. Moore. “The ‘Slow the Fast Down’ campaign is a refusal to accept the status quo on our roadways, inspiring more drivers...
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Community Raises Ten Full Scholarships for Leadership Southern Maryland’s 2026 Teen Leadership Academy Presented by Stella’s Girls

Thanks to the generosity of Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) alumni and community partners, ten students will have the opportunity to attend LSM’s 2026 Teen Leadership Academy presented by Stella’s Girls, Inc. on full-tuition scholarships. The Teen Leadership Academy, taking place July 27–31, 2026, at the College of Southern Maryland Hughesville Regional Campus, is a...
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August 2026 Events at the Calvert Marine Museum

August at the Calvert Marine Museum offers a vibrant mix of music, cruises, family programs, and seasonal experiences for visitors of all ages. From the high‑energy Brothers Osborne performance on August 22 to hands‑on activities, lighthouse tours, fossil programs, and special early‑morning family events, the month is packed with opportunities to explore Southern Maryland’s...
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Natural Resources Police Respond To Maritime Emergencies, Conducts Hundreds Of Vessel Stops Independence Day Weekend

The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) investigated 11 reportable boating accidents, conducted hundreds of vessel stops, and made five alcohol related arrests during its annual Operation Dry Water “saturation patrol” campaign from July 3 to July 5. Statistically this time is the busiest and most dangerous boating holiday. No boating fatalities were recorded in Maryland on...
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UPDATE: Former Police Officer Sentenced in Connection With Insurance Fraud Scheme

UPDATE 7/11/2026: A federal judge sentenced a former Anne Arundel County police officer for his role in an auto-insurance fraud scheme. Judge Lydia Griggsby sentenced Jaron Earl Taylor, 32, of Ft. Washington, Maryland, to three years of probation, with the first five months served on home detention, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Judge Griggsby...
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Sports Wagering Contributes $7.6 Million to the State During June 2026

Maryland’s sports wagering market generated $7,623,083 in contributions to the state during June 2026, bringing an end to a fiscal year that saw sports wagering return a total of $132,318,369 to the state. The $132.3 million in state contributions for Fiscal Year 2026 (July 2025 through June 2026) was a 48.8% increase from the...
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Maryland Casinos Generate $156.8 Million in Gaming Revenue During June 2026

Maryland’s six casinos combined to generate $156,848,176 in revenue from slot machines and table games during June 2026. The statewide total was a decrease of $3,820,369, or 2.4%, compared to June 2025. Casino gaming contributions to the state during June 2026 totaled $67,902,499, a decrease of 0.9% compared to June 2025. The June 2026...
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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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