LA PLATA, Md. (April 26, 2012)—The Charles County Sheriff's Office today released the following incident and arrest reports.
CRIME SOLVERS TIP LEADS TO RECOVERY OF WEAPON ON SCHOOL GROUNDS: On April 25 at 9:45 a.m., an anonymous Crime Solvers tip was received at Thomas Stone High School, 3785 Leonardtown Road in Waldorf. The tipster said they observed a student in possession of what appeared to be a black handgun. Officers made contact with the suspect and a black "BB" gun was located in his coat pocket. The suspect was also in possession of a box cutter razor knife. The suspect, 17, was arrested and charged with carrying a weapon on school property. He was released to the custody of a parent.
MAN ARRESTED AFTER BREAKING INTO HOUSE: On April 24 at 9:58 a.m., officers responded to the 10400 block of La Plata Road in La Plata for a burglary that just occurred. The victim reported she exited an upstairs bathroom of her home and entered her bedroom where she observed an unknown male standing next to her bed. She screamed and the accused fled the residence. Officers arrived, obtained a description and immediately established a perimeter. A police K-9 team conducted a track and located the suspect on Whales Drive in the nearby Kings Grant neighborhood. The suspect was apprehended without incident. Curtis Wayne Duff Jr., 18, of Waldorf, was charged with first-degree burglary and fourth-degree burglary and remanded to the Charles County Detention Center with $25,000 bond.
Further investigation revealed the suspect broke into the house and was carrying an empty back pack which he kept hidden underneath his jacket. It is not clear how he gained entry but he fled out of the rear sliding glass door. Anyone with additional information relating to the suspect is asked to call the CCSO at (301) 932-2222. The Criminal Investigations Division is investigating.
SERIOUS MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH: On April 25 at 10:03 a.m., officers responded to the area of Woodville Road at Watson Road in Hughesville for the report of a motor vehicle collision. A preliminary investigation revealed the driver of a Honda Element was traveling East on Woodville Road and slowing to make a left turn onto Watson Road when the driver of a Ford Ranger crossed the center lane striking the Honda head on. The Ford deflected off the Honda and left the roadway striking a tree and overturning. Both drivers were flown to Prince George's Trauma Center where the driver of the Ford - a 49-year-old male - is being treated for life-threatening injuries and the driver of the Honda - a 65-year-old female - is being treated for non life-threatening injuries.
During the course of the investigation, officers located a witness who indicated that just moments before the crash near Watson Road, the driver of the Ford was actually involved in another crash on Woodville Road near Kayak Drive; no one was injured in that crash but the driver fled the scene. Both collisions are being investigated by the Traffic Operations Unit. Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.
ASSAULT: On April 25 at 12:35 a.m., officers responded to the 2400 block of Lake Drive in Waldorf for the repot of an assault between known parties. Investigation revealed the victim, 27, and suspect were engaged in an argument when the suspect, Gregory Derrell Lea, 42, of Waldorf, punched the victim, kicked her, choked her and then threw a couch on top of her. Afterwards, he fled from the apartment and took the victim's car. Officers canvassed the area and located Lea at a nearby store. He was arrested and charged with assault and theft. Officer J. Morales made the arrest.
BURGLARY: On April 24 at 11:10 a.m., officers responded to the 15000 block of Prince Frederick Road in Hughesville for the report of a burglary. Investigation showed the victim was away for the evening and unknown suspect(s) broke into the house and stole copper piping from several components inside the residence. Officers processed the scene for evidence. Officer C. Garner is investigating.