DEATH INVESTIGATION: On July 18 at 12:21 p.m., corrections officers at the Charles County Detention Center were alerted of an inmate who hanged himself in a cell. Correctional officers responded immediately and quickly began life saving measures including resuscitation efforts. The inmate, Benjamin Paul Altimus, 46, of Newburg, was pronounced deceased a short time later. In accordance with Agency policy, investigators with the Charles County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division responded and are conducting a death investigation. Altimus was alone in the cell and there were no signs of foul play. The Medical Examiner's Office in Baltimore will conduct an autopsy. The investigation is ongoing.
K-9 Brix poses with a stolen shotgun he recovered. (Photo: CCSO)
CCSO K-9 TEAM RECOVERS STOLEN GUN: On July 17 at 6:30 p.m., officers responded to the 10700 block of Esprit Place in White Plains for the report of a burglary. The homeowner found his sliding glass door broken and noticed a shotgun had been stolen. Officers canvassed the area for evidence and Cpl. J. Freeman and his police K-9 partner, Brix, joined the search. Although the track was initiated about four hours after the homeowner discovered the burglary, Brix performed an article track and soon located the stolen shotgun about 200 yards from the homeowner's house. The gun had been partially hidden under a duffle bag in the woods. The homeowner responded and positively identified the shotgun as his.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Charles County Sheriff's Office at (301) 932-2222. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS or Text CHARLES + your tip to CRIMES or visit http://www.ccso.us to submit a web tip. A cash reward of up to $1,000 is available for the tip that leads to the arrest of the suspect(s). The investigation is ongoing.