LA PLATA, Md. (April 23, 2009) - The Charles County Sheriff's Office today released the following incident and arrest reports.
STOLEN CAR RECOVERED UNDERWATER: On April 23 at 6:30 a.m., officers responded to the Marshall Hall boat ramp in Bryans Road for the report of a vehicle in the water. The Bryans Road Fire Department and Dive Team responded and located the car in about 50 feet of water; only the roof was visible. Dive personnel conducted a search and determined the vehicle, a 2005 Chevrolet Impala, was not occupied. A computer check revealed the car had been reported stolen in Prince Georges County earlier in that morning. Officer R. Gilroy is investigating.
TEENS ARRESTED FOR STRONG-ARMED ROBBERY, ASSAULT: On April 22 at 6:12 p.m., Charles County Sheriff's officers responded to the 200 block of Westdale Drive in Waldorf for the report of a theft. Investigation revealed the victim, a 15-year-old male, was walking with two teenaged acquaintances when one of the teens grabbed the victim's cell phone and demanded the victim's watch. The other teen threatened to assault the victim if he did not comply. The victim gave the suspects his watch and the suspects fled. As officers investigated, the suspects walked by the victim's house. Both suspects were arrested and the cell phone was recovered. One of the suspects, a 14-year-old male, was charged with robbery and theft over $500. The second suspect, a 15-year old male, was charged with theft over $500 and assault. Officer J. Timko made the arrest.
FIRST-DEGREE ASSAULT: On April 22 at 2:37 a.m., officers responded to Charter Oak Court in Waldorf for the report of a fight. Investigation revealed the victim, 23, was cut on his thumb during an altercation with the suspect, a 15-year-old male. Neither victim nor suspect provided additional information. The suspect was charged with first-degree assault. Officer D. Suave made the arrest.
MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION: On April 21 at 6:22 p.m., Charles County Sheriff's officers responded to the intersection of Crain Highway and Hawthorne Road in La Plata for the report of a motor vehicle collision. Investigation revealed the driver of a Dodge Infinity was traveling south on Crain Highway when he crossed over the median into the northbound lanes, striking a Nissan and a Ford Windstar van belonging to the Sheriff's Office; the van then collided with a BMW. The driver of the Infinity was transported to a hospital with serious injuries. The driver and passenger in the van, as well as the driver of the Nissan, were transported to a nearby hospital where they were treated for non life-threatening injuries. The driver of the BMW was not injured. The cause of the accident is under investigation. Sgt. S. Walsh is handling.
R.R.E./VANDALISM: On April 21 at 9:30 a.m., hate-related graffiti was found inside a boy's bathroom stall at General Smallwood Middle School located at 4990 Indian Head Highway in Indian Head. The graffiti was written in pencil and included a swastika and hate-related words. The investigation is continuing.
SAFETY TIP: The best way to prevent theft from your auto is to always keep valuables out of sight. Never leave cell phones, briefcases, suitcases, or small electronic devices in your car in plain view. Take these items with you, or secure them-all the time, every time.