Southern Maryland News Net

Crain Highway Closed in La Plata Due to Serious Crash Involving Motorcycle

On Friday, July 24, 2026, at approximately 9:00 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the intersection of Crain Highway and Mitchell Road in La Plata, for the serious motor vehicle collision involving a motorcycle with one unconscious. Multiple 911 callers reported a “really bad accident” with a motorcyclist laying in the roadway and not moving. Crews arrived on the scene to confirm a two vehicle collision with one adult male with life-threatening injuries. Maryland State Police...
Read More »

Child Flown to Children’s National Hospital With Serious Injuries After Boating Accident

On Thursday, July 23, 2026, at approximately 5:22 p.m., police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel responded to Goose Bay Marina and Campground in Welcome for a report of a child suffering traumatic injuries. 911 callers reported that an 8-year-old boy was breathing but unconscious after his leg was reportedly severed by a boat propeller. Due to the nature of the call, Maryland State Police Aviation Command Trooper 7 was requested to land nearby. The child was brought to the...
Read More »

Lusby Man, A Former Harford County EMT, Indicted on Child Sex Crimes

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced today, a federal grand jury indicted a Maryland man in connection with child sexual exploitation charges. Jurel Daquone Leo Bowman, 32, of Lusby, is charged with producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity, receipt of CSAM, and possession of CSAM. Bowman previously served as a Harford County emergency medical technician. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District...
Read More »

DETAILS RELEASED: Two Men Arrested After More Than $100,000 in Stolen Bronze Cemetery Vases Recovered

Trey Franklin Mason, 25, of Nanjemoy, and David Anthony Downing, 34, of Waldorf, have been charged in connection with the theft of more than 100 bronze memorial vases from Trinity Memorial Gardens in Waldorf. Both men remained held without bond following separate bail reviews. Mason, who is also listed in Maryland Judiciary information as Otto Franklin Mason, is charged with fourth-degree burglary involving theft, theft valued between $1,500 and $25,000, and malicious destruction of property valued at less than...
Read More »

UPDATE: Couple Released on Own Recognizance by Judge Karen Friedman After Police Find Nude 4-Year-Old Boy Locked in Trash-Filled Closet

UPDATE 7/22/2026 @ 9:30 a.m.: Kaylynn N. Moore, 28, of Callaway, and James E. Stone, 27, of Callaway, have both been released on their own recognizance while facing child abuse and neglect charges. Moore and Stone were initially ordered held without bond following their arrests on July 20, 2026. During bond review hearings on July 21, 2026, Judge Karen Friedman changed both defendants’ release status, allowing them to leave custody without posting money. UPDATE 7/21/2026 @ 1:00 p.m.: Kaylynn...
Read More »

Man Cited After Leaving Dog Unattended in Hot Vehicle While Illegally Parked in California Target’s Fire Lane

On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., police were dispatched to the California Target located at 45155 First Colony Way in California, after taking multiple 911 calls to check the welfare of a dog left in an unattended vehicle. Multiple citizens along with the Target Security team reported an unattended Toyota SUV was illegally parked in front of the store with the vehicle not running and all windows up. The dog was heard barking and observed excessively...
Read More »

UPDATE: Second Man Sentenced to Life in 2024 Lexington Park Murder

UPDATE 7/21/2026: Zahlir Daylin Gantt, 23, of Lexington Park, was sentenced to life plus 30 years of active incarceration for the February 2024 murder of 23-year-old Malic Quinn Freeland. St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced the sentence on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunfire near Fox Ridge Road and Valley Drive in Lexington Park on February 26, 2024. Freeland was found inside a vehicle suffering from...
Read More »

Missing Child with Autism Found in Water, Rescued by St. Mary’s Deputy

On Friday, July 17, 2026, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a missing 9-year-old child with autism in the Hollywood area. A coordinated search quickly began with the assistance of the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack, Maryland Natural Resources Police, Maryland State Police Aviation Command (Trooper 7), the St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services and multiple local fire and EMS agencies. The child was located in a nearby body of water....
Read More »

Potomac Speedway Promoters Announce They Will Not Renew Lease After 2026 Racing Season

The current promoters of Potomac Speedway announced they will not renew their lease after the conclusion of the 2026 racing season, bringing their two-year run at the historic track to an end. In a statement, the promoters said the decision was difficult but emphasized that they remain committed to completing the current season and making the remaining events memorable for racers, fans, sponsors, employees, and supporters. “After two incredible years of promoting Potomac Speedway, we have made the difficult...
Read More »

Man Rescued from Burning Vehicle After Serious Crash in Mechanicsville; Operator Flown to Burn Center

On Saturday, July 18, 2026, at approximately 9:53 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Three Notch Road and Harper’s Corner Road in Mechanicsville, for the serious motor vehicle collision with a vehicle on fire with occupants trapped. Police arrived on the scene within minutes of dispatch to confirm a single vehicle off the roadway and fully engulfed in flames with the operator trapped inside. Deputies began attempting to remove the victim and utilized...
Read More »

VIDEO: St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Deputies Save Missing Autistic Child Found in Water – NO Injuries Reported

UPDATE 7/20/2026: On Friday, July 17, 2026, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a missing 9-year-old child with autism in the Hollywood area. A coordinated search quickly began with the assistance of the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack, Maryland Natural Resources Police, Maryland State Police Aviation Command (Trooper 7), the St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services and multiple local fire and EMS agencies. The child was located in a nearby body of...
Read More »

Woman Flown to Trauma Center After Golf Cart Crash in Owings

On Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 9:03 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 5900 block of Scaggs Road in Owings, for the serious motor vehicle collision involving a golf cart. Dispatchers advised 911 callers reported a golf cart struck a pole, resulting in one female victim being unconscious and suffering a seizure after being ejected from the vehicle. Maryland State Police Aviation Command Trooper 2 was placed on standby, then pre-launched to land nearby due...
Read More »

Washington Woman Arrested After Using Dead Person’s Identity to Buy a $52,000 Mercedes in Waldorf

Louisa Michelene Coles, 48, of Washington, D.C., has been charged with felony theft of $1,500 to less than $25,000, possession or use of a false government identification document, using another person’s identity to avoid identification or prosecution, and felony identity fraud involving property valued from $25,000 to less than $100,000. The charges stem from an attempt to purchase a $52,000 Mercedes-Benz SUV at a Waldorf dealership using the identity and financial information of a recently deceased woman. A Charles...
Read More »

Police Investigating Stabbing in Lexington Park, Helicopter Requested for Victim

On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at approximately 10:53 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 21000 block of Springwood Court in Lexington Park, for the reported stabbing. Crews arrived on the scene to find a 48-year-old male suffering from a stab wound to the upperbody. The victim was conscious alert and breathing. Upon consultation with an area trauma center, the patient was approved for aviation transport. The victim told First Responders he wasn’t going to say...
Read More »

Police Investigating Death of Teen in California After Reported Medical Emergency

On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at approximately 12:43 a.m., police firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 22000 block of Armsworthy Court in California, for the reported one not breathing. 911 callers reported a 14-year-old female was not breathing. Crews arrived on the scene within minutes of dispatch to confirm CPR was in progress. The patient, identified as a teen male, was quickly transported to the MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital with CPR still in progress. Deputies from the...
Read More »

Leadership Southern Maryland Graduates 5th Emerging Leaders Program Class

The Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) Emerging Leaders Program (LEAP) graduated its fifth class last month at the Jameson-Harrison American Legion Post 238 in Hughesville, Md. The 30-member Southern Maryland cohort completed a 6-month community leadership development program featuring monthly, full-day hands-on learning experiences that challenged participants to grow as communicators, collaborators, and community leaders....
Read More »

MISSING: Bonnie The Emu Is On The Run in Calvert County

The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office released the following information this afternoon. Well… this isn’t the kind of fugitive we expected today! Bonnie, a 6-foot-tall, approximately 200-pound emu, has decided she’d rather explore northern Calvert County than stay home. She has recently been spotted in the Owings and Chesapeake Beach areas. If you happen to...
Read More »

La Plata Woman Faces Felony Assault Charge Following Confrontation Inside Wawa

Catherine Mary Littlejohn, 52, of La Plata, has been charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault and disorderly conduct following an alleged confrontation with a customer inside the Wawa on Crain Highway in La Plata on July 17, 2026. An officer with the La Plata Police Department was dispatched to the store at approximately 6:58...
Read More »

Police Say California Man Returned to Lexington Park Grocery Store to Steal Four Times in One Day

Damian Michael Sisler, 29, of California, faces eight misdemeanor charges tied to alleged thefts at a Lexington Park grocery store and the discovery of suspected crack cocaine during a separate police encounter. The charges include three counts of theft under $100, two counts of theft valued from $100 to less than $1,500, one count...
Read More »

Noise Advisory – NAS Patuxent River Sets Noise Advisory for July 23-27, 2026

Communities surrounding Naval Air Station Patuxent River are advised of noise-generating testing events scheduled to take place July 27 –July 31, 2026 from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m Pilots at NAS PAX will be conducting Field Carrier Landing Practices (FCLPs). FCLPs are simulated carrier landings conducted to prepare the pilot to land safely on...
Read More »

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Accepting Applications for 2026 Citizens Police Academy

Have you ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes at your Sheriff’s Office? The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for its 2026 Citizens Police Academy, an immersive eight-week program that gives residents an inside look at modern law enforcement through hands-on experiences, interactive demonstrations, and direct engagement with the...
Read More »

St. Mary’s County Health Department Initiatives Recognized as National Promising Practices

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) is proud to announce that two of its innovative public health initiatives have been recognized with the 2026 Promising Practice Award from the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). NACCHO, the national organization representing over 3,000 local health departments across the country, recognizes innovative programs that...
Read More »

Glenn Mains Appointed Chief Information Officer in St. Mary’s County

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) are pleased to announce the appointment of Glenn Mains as the new Chief Information Officer (CIO), leading the County’s Information Technology Department. Mr. Mains brings more than 30 years of information technology experience, including over two decades of executive leadership in local government, with expertise spanning enterprise...
Read More »

St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office Awarded $72,488 Competitive Grant to Continue Gun Violence Reduction Efforts

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced that the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office has been awarded a $72,488 Gun Violence Reduction Grant (GVRG) to combat violent crimes involving the use of firearms. In her first year as State’s Attorney, Sterling quickly embraced emerging advancements in digital evidence by utilizing the grant funding to create...
Read More »

The Charles County Mobile Intensive Care Unit Saddened to Announce the Passing of Life Member Mark Powers

Mark was a dedicated public servant who devoted more than 35 years of service to the community through both the Charles County Mobile Intensive Care Unit and the La Plata Police Department. His unwavering commitment, professionalism, and compassion made a significant impact on countless lives. Mark’s legacy of service will be remembered. Funeral arrangements...
Read More »

CSM Students Turn Real-World Experience into Credits Towards Their Degrees

College of Southern Maryland (CSM) graduate Ria Robinson completed her associate degree in just one year and is on her way towards a career dedicated to supporting veterans. Robinson served in the United States Navy for more than six years, earning the rank of E-5 Petty Officer Second Class. Through the Credit for Prior...
Read More »

Two Arrested After Vehicle Pursuit Ends in Crash in Mechanicsville

On Thursday, July 23, 2026, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office attempted to pull a vehicle over for excessive speed and crossing the center line. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed before travelling onto Morganza Turner Road. A short time later, the suspect vehicle struck a utility pole in...
Read More »

Lexington Park Sailor Supports U.S. Navy Fighter Jet Mission

Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Briscoe, this story has ties to Lexington Park, Maryland, where skills and values learned there are foundational to success in the Navy. “I have many family members who have served in the military and helped explain the benefits and opportunities...
Read More »

Lusby Woman Charged With Trespassing After Fight at Buckets Sports Bar

Sara Ann Elizabeth Hairston, 37, of Lusby, was charged with misdemeanor trespassing on private property after authorities said she refused to leave Buckets Sports Bar following a reported disturbance on July 15, 2026. A deputy with the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to the business on Rousby Hall Road in Lusby for a report...
Read More »

Maryland Students Earn 13 National Medals at SkillsUSA Conference!

The SkillsUSA Maryland student delegation received 13 medals during the recent 62nd Annual National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta. A team of 165 Career and Technical Education (CTE) students showcased their skills in 92 competitions against more than 6,800 other students. Overall, 76 Maryland students placed in the top 10 nationally. Students...
Read More »

One Transported to Trauma Center After Rollover Collision in Waldorf

On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at approximately 1:53 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Crain Highway and Holly Tree Lane in Waldorf, for the reported motor vehicle collision with one overturned. Crews arrived on the scene to confirm a two vehicle collision with one vehicle on its side,...
Read More »

Baltimore Woman Charged After Calvert County Traffic Stop Leads to Discovery of Suboxone and Clonazepam

Heather Lynn Tingler, 42, of Baltimore, has been charged with misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance other than cannabis and a second misdemeanor involving Suboxone without a valid prescription following a July 6, 2026, traffic stop in Huntingtown. Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 4:13 p.m. after receiving a report of...
Read More »

Archives