LA PLATA, Md. (Nov. 25, 2009) - The Charles County Sheriff's Office Tuesday released the following incident and arrest reports.
FATAL MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH: Charles County Sheriff's officers are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred on November 23 at 12:17 p.m. near the intersection of St. Charles Parkway and St. Marks Drive in Waldorf. A preliminary investigation revealed two vehicles - a Chevrolet and a Cadillac - were traveling north on St. Charles Parkway where it appears the cars collided causing the drivers to lose control and strike a group of trees. Both drivers were transported to Civista Hospital where the driver of the Cadillac, Betty Young Watson, 78, of Brandywine, was pronounced dead. The driver of the Beretta, a 33-year-old woman from Washington, D.C., was treated for non life-threatening injuries. The cause of the initial crash is under investigation. Cpl. D. Belfield is investigating.
MAN CHARGED WITH ASSAULT: On November 22 at 5 p.m., officers responded to the 5800 block of Gallant Green Road in Hughesville for the report of an assault. Investigation revealed Jose Ignacio Leon Avila, 38, of Waldorf, struck an acquaintance with a baseball bat during an argument. Avila was arrested and charged with first-degree assault. Officer R. Zink investigated.
THEFT: On November 21 at 11:19 a.m., officers responded to the Shell gas station at 4705 Crain Highway in White Plains for the report of a theft. Investigation revealed the suspect entered the store, walked around for several minutes and then slipped into a back office where he stole money. Officer W. Mayhew is investigating.
MAN CHARGED WITH POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE DRUGS: On November 21 at 1 a.m., an off-duty Charles County Sheriff's officer initiated a traffic stop near Leonardtown Road and Route 488 after observing a vehicle being operated in a reckless manner. Upon approaching the car, the officer smelled an odor of an alcoholic beverage on the driver's breath. In addition, a strong odor of marijuana was detected. A computer check revealed the driver, Charles Brian Curtin, 39, of Mechanicsville, had a suspended driver's license. Curtin was arrested at which point officers discovered a half pound of marijuana inside his car. Curtin was charged with possession with intent to distribute and traffic related offenses. Officer P. Deboe is investigating.
CALL FOR DISPUTE LEADS TO CAPTURE OF FUGITIVE: On November 20 at 8:56 p.m., officers responded to the 3900 block of Hems Court in Bryans Road for the report of an assault. A preliminary investigation revealed Gary Branson, 48, of that address, was arguing with other residents in the house when he pulled a knife. A female resident was able to get the knife away from Branson but cut her finger in the process. As officers were talking with the victims, they encountered Branson who appeared to be intoxicated, refused to comply with directions, and became combative. A computer check revealed he had an open warrant for failing to pay child support. Branson was arrested and charged with second- degree assault. Officer R. Boggs made the arrest.
FIREARMS STOLEN FROM HOUSE: On November 20, officers responded to the 4000 block of Doncaster Drive in Indian Head for the report of a breaking and entering. A preliminary investigation revealed an unknown suspect smashed out the back door of the house and stole several firearms and ammunition. Officer M. Beall is investigating.
COUNTERFEITING COMPLAINT LEADS TO DRUG ARREST: On November 19 at 3:48 p.m., Charles County Sheriff's officers responded to Burger King at 1110 Smallwood Drive West for a counterfeiting complaint. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the complainant who provided a description of the suspect's car. Officers located the car in the parking lot and initiated a stop. The occupants, Jonathon Edward Delozier, 21, of Port Tobacco, Anthony Aaron Dell Acqua, 21, of Mechanicsville and Andrew Joseph Toye, 21, of Waldorf, exited the car. Delozier was found to be in possession of counterfeit money. Acqua attempted to escape and fled on foot but officers pursued and found him hiding in a dumpster on Promenade Place. Toye was arrested without incident. Marijuana was found inside the car. All three suspects were charged with possession with intent to distribute. In addition, Delozier was charged with counterfeiting and Acqua was charged with false statement after officers learned the name he originally provided was an alias. Officer C. Barrows is investigating.
Charles County Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in Charles County that leads to an arrest or indictment. Anyone with information about a crime may contact Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS or Text CHARLES + your tip to CRIMES or visit WWW.CCSO.US to submit a web tip. All callers remain anonymous.