LEXINGTON PARK, Md. - St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Deputies responded to the Donut Connection in Lexington Park for a report of a robbery in progress at approximately 11:01 p.m. last night. A black male had entered the establishment armed with what appeared to be a handgun. His face was covered by two socks and he demanded money.
As the first victim was taking orders from the suspect, a second victim exited into the main lobby area and confronted the suspect. A violent struggle ensued.
Deputy Patrick Handy arrived and attempted to apprehend the suspect. As the victims disengaged, Deputy Handy was left to struggle with the suspect. Additional Officers arrived on the scene and joined Handy in his attempt to subdue the suspect. As Deputies fought with the suspect, he continued to try and gain access to the area of his body near his waistband.
The victims yelled to Deputies that the suspect "had a knife."
The suspect was ultimately taken under control and placed into custody. A knife was located in the suspect's waistband area and the weapon believed to be a handgun was a second utility style knife.
The suspect was later identified as Charles Aloyuis Berry, age 46 of Lexington Park.
Injuries were sustained by several of the parties involved in the robbery attempt. Deputy Handy and Deputy Lacey received hand injuries, one of the victims was bitten, and the other had swelling near his eye. Berry also received injuries and was transported to St. Mary's Hospital where he was treated and released before being taken to the St. Mary's County Detention Center.