LA PLATA, Md. - The Charles County Sheriff's Department today released the following incident and arrest reports.
STRONG-ARM ROBBERY: On Dec. 7 at 2:30 a.m., Charles County Sheriff’s officers responded to the Indian Head VFW at 4310 Indian Head Highway in Indian Head for the report of a robbery. Investigation revealed an employee was placing money in a safe when the suspect approached her from a banquet room across the hall and pushed her to the floor. He stole the money and fled the scene through the side door of the bar. Officers and a K9 team checked the area but were unable to locate the suspect. The suspect is described as a dark-complexioned black male in his 20s wearing dark clothing. He has a medium build and is approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall. The employee was not injured. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Charles County Sheriff’s Office at 301-743-2222. Officer S. Cartwright is investigating.
FLEEING POLICE: On Dec. 6 at 5:41 p.m., Charles County Sheriff’s Officer J. Kelly observed a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot in the 5100 block of Indian Head Highway in Glymont. When he approached the occupants, the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed north on Indian Head Highway. Other officers responded to assist and deployed stop-sticks in the area of Indian Head Highway and Metropolitan Church Road. The vehicle struck the stop-sticks, causing the right front tire to deflate. The vehicle turned onto Livingston Road and left the roadway near Skyline Place. The occupants exited the vehicle and fled on foot but were quickly apprehended. Officers identified the driver as James Lee Gross, 20, of Accokeek, and the passenger as a 17-year-old Indian Head boy. Further investigation revealed the tags on the vehicle had been stolen and Gross’ driver’s license was suspended. They were arrested and charged with theft valued at less than $500 and fleeing and eluding on foot. Gross was also charged with driving while suspended and numerous other traffic violations. He was being held at the Charles County Detention Center pending an appearance before the district court commissioner. The boy was charged as a juvenile and released to the custody of a parent.
STRONG-ARM ROBBERY: Sometime between 11:45 p.m. Dec. 5 and 12 a.m. Dec. 6 a 36-year-old Waldorf man was walking through the parking lot of Food Lion located at 191 St. Patrick’s Drive in Waldorf when he was approached by the suspect. The suspect struck the victim in the head, causing him to lose consciousness. When the victim came to, he discovered the suspect had stolen his cell phone, keys and cash. He notified police later that morning at his residence. The suspect is described only as a black male. The victim declined medical attention. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Charles County Sheriff’s Office at 301-932-7777. Officer S. Chandler is investigating.