VEHICLE ACCIDENT/CDS: On July 25, 2006 at approximately 0015 hours, Shenandoah Dornell Benton, age 30 of Leonardtown, was found by St. Mary's County Sdfc. Edward Evans with a disabled vehicle. The vehicle had obvious damage from an accident. The investigation revealed that the driver, Ms. Benton, had left the roadway and struck a mailbox and a school crossing sign on St. Johns Rd in Hollywood. She then continued driving until her vehicle became disabled and came to rest at Three Notch Rd.
Benton was arrested by Dep. Jason Graves for failure to remain at the scene of a property damage accident. A search incident to arrest revealed Shenandoah Benton had a two glass smoking device containing suspected cocaine residue. Additionally another smoking device was found containing suspected marijuana. Benton was taken to the St. Mary's County Detention Center and charged with Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident, Possession of CDS Marijuana and Possession of CDS, not Marijuana. She was later released on Personal Recognizance.
ASSAULT: On July 19, 2006, St. Mary's County Deputy Michael Harrison responded to a Mechanicsville residence for an assault investigation. Investigation revealed suspect Laura Lynn Thompson, age 33, of Mechanicsville, MD struck Michael Shane Gardiner with her head and slapped Edward Thomas Ernestine. July 26, 2006 Laura Thompson was arrested by Dep. Harrison for warrants issued on the incident charging two counts of Assault 2nd Degree. Dep. Harrison transported Laura Thompson to the St. Mary's County Detention Center where she was release on personal bond.
FLEEING POLICE/CDS/CHILD HARMED: On Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at 4:40 pm, TFC Trossbach stopped a vehicle for speeding. After contact with the driver, Ronald William Cradle, 28, of Lexington Park, he fled in the vehicle. The vehicle continued on Route 246. When the vehicle turned onto Exquisite Court, Mr. Cradle told an 8 year old child to exit the vehicle as it was still moving. When the child exited, the vehicle ran over her leg causing minor injuries. Mr. Cradle stopped and fled on foot. He was apprehended by a St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Deputy.
Investigation revealed Mr. Cradle had two outstanding warrants for violation of probation. A search incident to arrest revealed marijuana in his sock. Both Mr. Cradle and the child were transported to St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment. When Mr. Cradle was released from the hospital he was taken to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with possession of marijuana, and reckless endangerment. Additional charges are forth coming upon review by the States Attorney’s Office. He was held pending a bond review.