LA PLATA, Md. - The Charles County Sheriff's Department today released the following incident and arrest reports.
POLICE PURSUIT: On April 29 at 5:42 p.m., Charles County Sheriff’s Det. D. Gross, who was off duty, observed a stolen vehicle traveling west on Route 225 toward Indian Head. He followed the vehicle to Annapolis Woods Road, where he and Cpl. J. Murphy attempted a traffic stop. The driver failed to stop and fled to the intersection of Durham Church Road and Route 425, where the passenger, Daniel Wayne Hoppe, 29, of no fixed address, exited the vehicle. Hoppe was quickly apprehended by Cpl. Murphy without incident. The driver continued on Route 425 toward Route 6 and was speeding and driving recklessly. He failed to negotiate a right turn and drove straight into a ditch along a woodline. He was quickly apprehended by Det. Gross and an off-duty Metro Transit Officer who was in the area and stopped to assist. The driver was identified as James John Toth, III, 34, of Waldorf. Toth and Hoppe were searched and found to be in possession of marijuana. Toth was charged with possession of marijuana, resisting arrest, reckless driving, fleeing and eluding and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Hoppe was charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. They were being held at the Charles County Detention Center pending an appearance before a district court commissioner. Toth was treated at Civista Medical Center for minor injuries resulting from the crash.
FATAL MOTORCYCLE CRASH: On April 28 at 4:56 p.m., Charles County Sheriff’s officers responded to St. Charles Parkway near Gallery Place in Waldorf for the report of a motorcycle crash. Investigation revealed Harry Jerome Dyson, 42, of La Plata was driving a Kawasaki motorcycle on St. Charles Parkway toward St. Thomas Drive when he lost control and left the roadway. Dyson was ejected and struck several trees. He was transported to Southern Maryland Hospital Center where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Speed and driver error appear to be factors in the crash. Officer R. Williams of the Traffic Operations Unit is investigating.
ARMED ROBBERY: On April 27 at 11:55 p.m., Charles County Sheriff’s officers responded to Spearfish Court in Waldorf for the report of an armed robbery. Investigation revealed the victim, a 21-year-old Waldorf man, was walking when he was approached by two male suspects who brandished a gun. The suspects took an undisclosed amount of money from the victim’s wallet and fled toward the Dorchester Recreational Center. The suspects are described as black males wearing white tank top T-shirts. One suspect had a white shirt over his head. Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact the Charles County Sheriff’s office at 301-932-7777 or Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. Officer S. Bryant is investigating.