Damages total in the thousands. Weapon of choice was a high powered slingshot with 3/8" steel hunting balls.
During November 9th, 2005 thru November 14th, 2005, patrol officers responded to twelve (12) separate businesses and residences throughout St. Mary's County, Maryland for reported property damages.
It was discovered that projectiles had been shot at windows to storefronts as well as windows to residences and vehicles causing a total estimated damage of $9,645.00. In one instance, a projectile was shot at a bedroom window which endangered the life of a ten (10) year old child who was sleeping on a bed near the window. Each occurrence was similar in nature.
Detectives from the St. Mary's County Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) received information of a possible suspect vehicle and on November 14th, 2005 - detectives located 20 year old James Frederick Reigle at his residence in Lusby, MD. He was identified as the driver of the suspect vehicle. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of numerous items of evidence related to the above crimes. Two (2) additional suspects were identified as 20 year old Savannah Lynn Scroggs of Lusby, MD and 19 year old Gene Michael-Ray Jenkins of Leonardtown, MD.
The suspects used a high powered slingshot in conjunction with 3/8" steel hunting balls as the means for destroying the property. The packaging on the slingshot box stated the ammunition can travel at a speed of over 200 M.P.H. and may cause serious bodily injury to people.
Detectives from the Calvert County Criminal Investigation Team (CIT) became involved in the investigation and determined the same suspects were responsible for a large number of similar instances in the Lusby, MD area. The above listed suspects were placed under arrest in St. Mary's County and charged with Malicious Destruction of Property - Scheme Over $500 and one (1) count of Reckless Endangerment. The suspects have also been charged separately in Calvert County.
They were incarcerated in the St. Mary's County Detention Center and are awaiting their appearance before the District Court for St. Mary's County.