Southern Maryland News Net

Police Investigating Infants Death in Leonardtown After Reported Medical Emergency

On Monday, July 13, 2026, at approximately 4:05 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 39000 block of Lake Cecil Lane in Leonardtown, for the reported infant not breathing. 911 callers reported a 3-month old not breathing with CPR instructions being given. While police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the scene, the St. Mary’s Hospital and Maryland State Police Aviation Command were placed on standby and made aware of the incident. Police arrived on the...
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Lithium Ion Batteries Cause Second Structure Fire in Southern Maryland This Week

On Sunday, July 13, 2026, at approximately 9:10 p.m., firefighters from Charles and Prince George’s County responded to the 4000 block of Ray Drive in La Plata, for the reported structure on fire. 911 callers reported fire coming from the roof with unknown occupants inside. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find a large one story machine shop with smoke and fire showing. Crews made entry to find a fire inside the building with extensions to the exterior. A...
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Waldorf Man Struck by Vehicle After Stealing Necklace from Jewelry Store in St. Charles Mall

On June 29, 2026, at 11:27 a.m., a male suspect entered a jewelry store inside St. Charles Town Center and asked to view a necklace. After the employee handed it to him, the suspect fled on foot with the necklace. As he ran through the parking lot, the suspect was struck by a car that did not remain on the scene. Despite being injured, the suspect continued running and escaped the immediate area. While officers were investigating the theft,...
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Lusby Woman With Four Prior Felony Drug Convictions Over 25 Years Faces 13 New Cocaine Charges

Temeka Uganda Mason, 49, of Lusby, faces 13 new cocaine-related charges after Calvert County investigators say she sold cocaine from a home near Patuxent High School and used rental vehicles, social media and other people to support a drug-distribution operation. The new charges include four counts of possessing cocaine, three counts of distributing cocaine within 1,000 feet of school property, three counts of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute near school property, one count of possessing cocaine with intent...
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UPDATE: Suitland Man Arrested on Kidnapping Charge After Posing as a Police Officer and Handcuffing a Woman

UPDATE 7/13/2026: Bryan Neal Gordon, 27, of Suitland, faces charges of kidnapping, false imprisonment, second-degree assault, theft of less than $100, and soliciting prostitution following an investigation into allegations that an adult female victim was handcuffed, assaulted and taken from Charles County to Prince George’s County. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office began investigating after officers responded to Master Suites on Old Washington Road in Waldorf at approximately 3:28 a.m. on June 29, 2026, for a reported kidnapping and sexual...
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Police Investigating Kitten Thrown From Vehicle on Woodrow Wilson Bridge; Cat is Safely Rescue by Officer

On Sunday, July 12, 2026, officers from the Maryland-National Capital Park Police PG Division responded after a citizen reported witnessing an individual attempt to throw a cat from a moving vehicle while crossing the Woodrow Wilson bridge. Thanks to the quick report from the citizen and the swift compassionate response of the officer, the frightened kitten was safely rescued without injury and is now receiving the care it deserves. We commend the citizen for speaking up and our officer...
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Maryland State Police Investigating Triple Fatal Crash in Prince George’s County, Investigators Seeking Vehicle Information

Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred early Sunday morning in Prince George’s County that claimed the lives of three people. On Sunday, July 12, 2026, at approximately 12:45 a.m., Troopers from the Maryland State Police College Park Barrack responded to the area of Route 301 at Governors Park Lane for a report of a crash involving a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle. The preliminary investigation indicates that a black Tesla Model 3 was attempting to...
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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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Maryland Investigating Rise in Cyclosporiasis Cases as Parasitic Illness Spreads Nationwide

Maryland health officials are investigating an increase in Cyclosporiasis cases as hundreds of infections involving the intestinal parasite are reported across the United States. The Maryland Department of Health confirmed 32 cases in the state during 2026. Health officials said investigators have not identified a common source connecting the Maryland cases. Cyclosporiasis is an...
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St. Mary’s County Public Cooling Centers Open July 15th to 18th As Heat Index Could Reach 106 Degrees

St. Mary’s County Government has announced that several public cooling centers will be available from Wednesday, July 15, through Saturday, July 18, 2026, due to extreme heat in the forecast. Heat index values are expected to reach as high as 106 degrees this week. Residents who need relief from the heat may visit any...
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Run. Golf. Hula. Savor: Here Are 4 Ways to Change Lives This Fall

Hospice of the Chesapeake Foundation is proud to announce the Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation as the Premier Sponsor of its 2026 Fall Event Series, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to compassionate care throughout our community. The Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation’s generous investment will help power four signature fundraising events that bring together supporters,...
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From the Farm to Your Table: St. Mary’s County to Host Farmers Feeding St. Mary’s – August 13th and September 12th

Local farmers are once again bringing fresh food directly to the community through the annual Farmers Feeding St. Mary’s program. The initiative will provide free, farm-fresh produce to residents at two distribution events in Lexington Park. The first distribution will take place on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department,...
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SMECO Issues Credits to Members; General Refund Totals $4.6 Million

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) is refunding members’ capital credits totaling nearly $7 million. Of that total, a general refund of approximately $4.6 million will be issued in July. Eligible active members will receive credits on their bills, and checks will be issued to eligible former members. SMECO will pay special refunds of about...
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10 People Killed in Maryland Traffic Crashes Last Week; 18 Deaths in 14 Days of July 2026

The Maryland Department of Transportation and Maryland State Police continue to urge motorists to Slow the Fast Down and drive safely during the summer travel season and follow 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...
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Registration Now Open for DMV Girls Hockey Weekend, Taking Place at 18 Local Hockey Rinks on Sept. 12-13 2026

Registration is now open for the first-ever DMV Girls Hockey Weekend (previously DMV Girls Try Hockey for Free Day), taking place at 18 rinks across Maryland and Virginia on Sept. 12-13. DMV Girls Hockey Weekend is a joint effort between the Washington Capitals, Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) Foundation, the Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association (PVAHA) and various youth...
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Sign from Late Brother Gives St. Mary’s Woman $50K Pick 5 Win

After her brother passed away a few years ago, a St. Mary’s County woman noticed a five-digit code associated with his services and has played it regularly as her Pick 5 combination ever since. The combination came up straight for the midday drawing on June 24, giving her a $50,000 win. The winner, who...
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Today Is The Day to Make Your Voice Heard St. Mary’s County – Public Hearing at 6:30pm

St. Mary’s Commissioners Consider How to Distribute More Than $1.5 Million in Cannabis Reinvestment Funding The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County are expected to make a final decision July 21 on an ordinance establishing how more than $1.5 million in state cannabis reinvestment funding may be distributed throughout the county. The proposed ordinance would...
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Brandywine Man Charged With First-Degree Assault After Knife Threat in Waldorf

Calvin Chris Cherry, 44, of Brandywine, faces charges of first-degree assault, second-degree assault and trespassing on private property after authorities said he threatened an adult male victim with a knife near a Waldorf park-and-ride. He also faces a separate trespassing charge connected to the same hotel property one day earlier. Charles County Sheriff’s Office...
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UPDATE: GoFundMe Started for Family of 23-Year-Old Brandywine Man Killed in Crash

UPDATE 7/14/2026: The family has started a GoFundMe to assist the funding of Hawkins funeral costs, with any remaining funds going to his 1-year-old daughter Sayyora. This sudden loss has left our family heartbroken and facing unexpected expenses. Your generosity will help ease the burden on our mother and father as they navigate this...
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St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint on Friday, July 17

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO), in partnership with the Maryland State Police, will conduct a roadside sobriety checkpoint on Friday evening, July 17, 2026, in the Leonardtown area. Sobriety checkpoints are one of several proactive traffic safety initiatives conducted throughout the year to educate motorists, deter impaired driving, and promote safer roadways...
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Solomons Man Arrested for Disorderly Conduct After Three Noise Complaints

Brian Wade Osborne, 49, of Solomons, was charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct after Calvert County sheriff’s deputies responded three times to complaints of loud music, screaming, threats and banging at an apartment building. Deputies with the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office were first called to Solomons Island Road in Solomons at about 8:59 p.m. on...
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Chesapeake Bay Monitoring Shows Dissolved Oxygen Conditions Best on Record in Early Part of Season

Data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Old Dominion University show lower than average volumes of hypoxia—waters with less than 2 mg/l of oxygen—in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem of Maryland and Virginia from May to late June 2026. No hypoxia was observed in May, one of ten years with no monitored...
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No Injuries Reported After Shipping Container Fire in Hughesville

On Monday, July 13, 2026, at approximately 7:35 a.m., firefighters from Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s County were dispatched to the 16000 block of Prince Frederick Road in Hughesville, for the reported shipping container on fire. The 911 caller reported a shipping container with car parts and motors inside was on fire. Crews arrived on...
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Attorney General Brown Sues U.S. Department of Education to Prevent Cuts to School Mental Health Grants

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown filed a lawsuit today with 14 other attorneys general to prevent the U.S. Department of Education from unlawfully terminating congressionally approved school-based mental health grants. In defiance of a court order, the administration plans to terminate these grants at the end of July, which is projected to cost Maryland schools and...
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One Flown to Trauma Center After Single Vehicle Crash on Thomas Johnson Bridge

On Thursday, July 9, 2026, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Calvert 911 received several calls reporting a serious motor vehicle accident on the Thomas Johnson Bridge. Firefighters and emergency medical services from Calvert and St. Mary’s County responded to the scene with first arriving units reporting a single vehicle against the bridge jersey wall, with...
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