LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Jan. 26, 2009) - The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office today released the following incident and arrest reports.
STRONG-ARM ROBBERIES, JUVENILE ARRESTS: On Jan. 24 at about 2000 hours, four juvenile male victims aged 13-17 were walking from the 7-Eleven store located at Three Notch Road and FDR Blvd. in Lexington Park, to the Loew's Theatre located next door, when they were approached by "8-10" young black males who demanded money from the victims. One of the victims attempted to walk around the suspects, and was struck in the head by the fist of one of the suspects. Another victim who tried to run away was caught and tackled. A third victim was "pushed around" while being strong-armed by the suspects. The suspects ran off on foot after collecting cash and a bag of candy from the victims. Two of the victims received minor injuries in the scuffle. Suspect descriptions were provided and a canvass of the area was conducted by several deputies but the suspects were not immediately located.
On the same evening at about 2329 hours, a similar type attempted strong-armed robbery was reported, again outside of Loew's Theatre. Two juveniles, one male, 9, and one male, 14, were leaving the theatre when they were approached by a group of young black males, who demanded money. One of the suspect males punched the older victim in his face, causing him to get a cut lip and scratched face. The victims fled, as did the suspects. Deputies responded to the scene and within a couple minutes located a group of black male juveniles in the parking lot of Millison Plaza. The victims of both robberies responded to the scene and all positively identified various members of the group as persons who assaulted / robbed them.
A total of seven male juveniles aged 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 17, from Callaway and Lexington Park areas were arrested and charged with six counts each of robbery, theft under $100.00, and assault. The District Court Commissioner and Juvenile Services were contacted and both advised to charge all participants as juveniles. Juvenile Services elected to release the suspects to their parents in lieu of detention.
ILLEGAL DRUGS: On Jan. 21 at 2358 hours, DFC Stone observed a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of Valley Drive Estates. The vehicle was running, lights off, and had a passenger but no driver. DFC Stone approached the vehicle and identified the lone occupant as Shannyn Elizabeth Dulemba, 25, of California. Dulemba became very nervous and agitated. While Stone was conversing with her, he observed in plain view a metal spoon with burn marks and suspected controlled dangerous substance residue on it. A subsequent probable cause search revealed a metal smoking device with suspected controlled dangerous substance (crack cocaine) residue. DFC Stone arrested Shannyn Sulemba and charged her with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (crack cocaine) and possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia.
VIGILANTE SHOOTS FRIEND: On Jan. 25 at 2248 hours, deputies responded to the report of shots fired on Colton's Point Road in Avenue. Further information obtained revealed the complainants believed their vehicles were being burglarized and fired a shot at the alleged suspects who were driving away, and someone had been hit.
Deputies arrived on the scene and determined the following: two males, the victim and a passenger, in a silver Pontiac Grand Am, pulled into a driveway on Colton's Point Road, which is the residence of James Elmer Lacey, age 30. All parties know one another and are friends. The victim and his passenger stopped by Lacey's residence unexpectedly. They knocked on Lacey's door, beeped their car horn, and were talking in the driveway. When it became apparent no one was going to answer the door, they got back in the car to leave. They backed out of the driveway, and as they were pulling back onto Colton's Point Road, a gunshot rang out in the direction of their vehicle. The vehicle was hit by projectiles fired from the residence. The victim, who was seated on the driver's side with the window down, was struck in the side of his head by a shotgun pellet. The victim sped off away from the residence towards Colton's Point. A few minutes later he returned, and Lacey recognized him and the car. The victim called 911 to report the shooting.
Further investigation revealed: Elmer Lacey was awaken by voices outside his residence and believed his vehicle was being broken into. Elmer Lacey shot at the victim's vehicle as it was pulling away from his residence. Lacey did not know the identity of the victim or the passenger when he fired the shot. James Elmer Lacey was arrested and charged with one count of reckless endangerment. The victim was transported to St. Mary's Hospital where he was treated and released for his wound.