LEONARDTOWN, Md. (February 28, 2011)—The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office today released the following incident and arrest reports.
SHOPLIFTING AT WAL-MART: On February 26, deputies responded to the Wal-Mart store in California for a report of a theft in progress. A lookout was broadcast for a male leaving the store pushing a cart of items which he had not paid for. The suspect left the store prior to the arrival of deputies, but a detailed description of the suspect was provided to the deputies by Wal-Mart's loss prevention officers. The suspect later identified as Craig Andrew Kennedy, 46 of California, was located a short distance from the store. The loss prevention officers identified Kennedy as the individual who committed the theft. Kennedy was arrest and charged with theft scheme and theft.
DISORDERLY CONDUCT, RESISTING ARREST: On February 26, deputies responded to the Elks Lodge in California for a disturbance. Investigation revealed James Raymond Harris, 23 of Hollywood, was intoxicated and yelling profanity in the parking lot. Harris was asked several times to lower his voice and stop yelling. Harris refused and his disorderly behavior attracted the attention of others in the parking lot. Harris was told he was under arrest for disorderly conduct. As deputies attempted to handcuff him he flailed his arms and resisted. After a brief struggle Harris was controlled and placed in handcuffs. He was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
DRUG ARREST: On February 27 at approximately 6:30 p.m., Deputy Wood was conducting a patrol check of Lancaster Park. The park closes at dusk and trespassing is prohibited. Deputy Wood observed a 1998 Toyota truck parked near the end of the park with its lights and engine turned off. Deputy Wood investigated. As he approached he noticed the passengers moving around inside the truck as if they were attempting to conceal something. Deputy Wood identified the occupants of the truck as Joseph Arnold Johnson, 61, and Vernon Edward Freeland, 44, both of Lexington Park. Further investigation revealed Johnson to be possession of a controlled dangerous substance, suspected marijuana. Johnson was arrested and search of the vehicle incident to the arrest revealed an empty cigarette pact containing suspected Oxycodone and a glass smoking device with suspected marijuana residue. Both Johnson and Freeland were arrested and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia.