LA PLATA, Md. (July 22, 2010) - The Charles County Sheriff's Office released the following incident and arrest reports.
OFFICERS APPREHEND VEHICLE THEFT SUSPECT: On July 20 at 11:18 a.m., Charles County Sheriff's officers received a call for a stolen van that just occurred at the Charles County Courthouse in La Plata. The victim reported he walked out of the building and saw his van, a white Chevrolet Astro, being driven out of the parking lot. A lookout was broadcast and officers canvassed the area. A short time later, a sheriff's officer spotted the van on Crain Highway at VFW Road in Waldorf. The officer initiated a traffic stop at which time the suspect fled. When he reached the parking lot of a nearby business, the suspect jumped out of the van while it was still in drive. The van came to a stop after it struck a group of shrubs. The officer pursued the suspect on foot and eventually subdued him. Ervin Harris, 49, of Lusby, was charged with theft, resisting arrest, fleeing and eluding and other traffic-related charges. Officers later determined the suspect was going to try to siphon gas from the van but when he discovered a set of spare keys near the gas tank, he stole the van instead. Officer D. Major made the arrest.
THEFT: On July 17 at 12:35 p.m., a man stole a jewelry display case from Sears at 11170 Mall Circle. Investigation revealed the suspect cut a cable that secured the display and fled the store. A witness called police and provided officers with a description of the suspect: a black male, 30's - 40's, 5'10" - 6'2", stocky, bald and driving an older model red SUV, possibly a Chevrolet Blazer, with a spare tire on the rear door. At the time of the theft, the suspect was wearing a polo style shirt and khaki shorts. Detectives believe the same suspect may be responsible for similar thefts throughout the region. Officers would like to speak with the witness who originally called police and are asking anyone with information to call (301) 932-7777. Officer J. Long is investigating.
BURGLARY: On July 16 between 9:30 a.m. - 3:41 p.m., unknown suspects broke into the rear of a house in the 9300 block of Marshall's Corner Road in Pomfret and stole electronics. Officers canvassed the area and processed the scene for evidence. Officer Raby is investigating.
BURGLARY: On July 16 between 8 a.m. - 5:50 p.m., unknown suspects broke out a rear window of a house in the 8100 block of Poorhouse Road in La Plata. The suspects moved some items but did not steal anything. Officers canvassed the area and processed the scene for evidence. Officer Raby is investigating.
DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY/RRE: On July 17 between 12 a.m. - 7 a.m., unknown suspects spray painted graffiti including racial and ethnic slurs in the roadway near the 11500 block of Highland Farm Court in La Plata. Officers canvassed the area and recovered evidence which will be processed for latent prints. Anyone with information is asked to call (301) 932-7777.
CITIZENS URGED TO REMOVE VALUABLES FROM CARS/ CRIME SOLVERS OFFERS CASH REWARD FOR INFORMATION IN THEFT CASES: The Charles County Sheriff's Office and La Plata Town Police are investigating multiple thefts from autos that occurred in several La Plata, Charlotte Hall and Dentsville neighborhoods. The suspects entered unlocked cars or broke out windows and stole electronic equipment, purses, iPods, and money. Most of the thefts occurred late at night. While the Sheriff's Office investigates, residents are urged to take a few, simple precautions: Always remove valuables from your vehicle, lock all doors and windows and report suspicious activity immediately. Anyone with information is asked to call the Charles County Sheriff's Office at (301) 932-2222 or the La Plata Town Police at (301) 934-1500. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. A cash reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for the tip that leads to the arrest and indictment of the suspects. For more information about crime prevention, visit the Charles County Sheriff's Office web site at http://www.ccso.us/ .