LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Feb. 5, 2014)—The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office today released the following incident and arrest reports.
DEATH INVESTIGATION: On February 2 at approximately 10:09 pm, patrol deputies responded to a report of an unconscious person in the area of Pacific Drive in Lexington Park. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a male subject, identified as Melvin J. Craddock, age 35, of Lexington Park, lying in the grass unresponsive. CPR was initiated by deputies until the arrival of personnel from the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad who continued medical efforts to revive the victim. Mr. Craddock was later pronounced deceased at the scene.
Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division were contacted and responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation determined Mr. Craddock was operating his motor vehicle and for unknown reasons stopped his vehicle in the roadway and exited the vehicle before collapsing in the grass near the roadway. There were no signs of any injuries observed on Mr. Craddock. According to family members, Mr. Craddock has suffered from a recent medical condition. Mr. Craddock was transported to the Maryland State Medical Examiner's Office where an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of death.
HOME INVASION: On February 5 at 2:35 am, patrol units responded to a residence in Dameron for the report of a burglary to an occupied residence. Upon arrival, deputies met with the female victim who advised that 3 suspects had forced open her front door, entered her residence, produced a handgun and demanded money. The victim advised that the suspects began rummaging through her residence and after not finding any money physically assaulted her. The suspects then removed personal property of the victim and fled the residence. The victim did not require medical treatment. The Criminal Investigations Division was contacted, responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.
Suspect # 1 - African American male, small build, dark complexion, wearing all black clothing, black mask and armed with a small dark in color handgun.
Suspect # 2 - African American male, small to average build, wearing all dark clothing, white mask armed with a taser or stun gun.
Suspect # 3 - African American male, medium complexion, possible short dread locks. No further description.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Det./Cpl. Sarah Russell at 301-475-4200 Ext. 9105 or callers can make anonymous tips to Crime Solvers at (301) 475-3333, or text a tip to "TIP239" plus your message to "CRIMES" (274637).
VIOLATION OF A PROTECTIVE ORDER: On February 4, Detective Melissa Green, Domestic Violence Coordinator, arrested William L. Taylor, age 24, of Lexington Park, and charged him with Violation of a Protective Order. On January 29, 2014 Taylor contacted his estranged wife after being served a protective order directing Taylor to have no contact with the victim. Taylor is currently incarcerated in the St. Mary's County Detention Center awaiting trial on two prior charges of violating the protective order.
PEDESTRIAN HIT: On February 04 at approximately 9:38 pm, deputies from the patrol division responded to the area of Three Notch Road and Toms Way for a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. Deputies found a Toyota RAV 4 on the shoulder and a subject lying in the roadway being treated by emergency medical personnel. The subject was subsequently transported by ambulance to the Prince George's Medical Center with life threatening injuries. Deputies on the scene requested the Sheriff's Office Collision Reconstruction team respond. Corporal Brian Connelly along with additional members of the Collision Reconstruction Team immediately responded and assumed the investigation.
The preliminary investigation revealed Christopher Wayne Murphy, 21, of Saint Inigoes, was walking in the travel portion of Three Notch Road just north of Toms Way. A 2007 Toyota Rav 4 operated by Sandra Louise Birch, 41, of Ridge, was traveling northbound and struck Murphy. Murphy sustained life threatening injuries and was transported to Prince George's Hospital Center by ambulance. The Maryland State Police Helicopter was unable to transport due to weather. No other injuries were reported. At this time alcohol, drugs, and speed do not appear to be factors in the collision.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision and has not already provided a statement is asked to contact Corporal Brian Connelly ID# 151 of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office at 301.475.4200 Ext. 9010. This crash remains under investigation.
DUI SATURATION PATROL OPERATION SUPER BOWL SUNDAY: On Sunday, February 2 from 8:00pm until 1:00am on February 3, deputies conducted a DUI saturation patrol operation concentrating on the northern end of St. Mary's County. The Maryland Highway Safety Office Grant for impaired driving funded 4 of the 8 deputies assigned to the operation on overtime. Deputies conducted 36 traffic stops, resulting in 35 written citations, 11 written warnings, 9 safety equipment repair orders, and 1 DUI arrest.
Disclaimer: In the U.S.A., all persons accused of a crime by the State are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. See: http://somd.me/presumed-innocence. Additionally, all of the information provided above is solely from the perspective of the respective law enforcement agency and does not provide any direct input from the accused or persons otherwise mentioned. You can find additional information about the case by searching the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Database using the accused's name and date of birth. The database is online at http://somd.me/mdcasesearch . Persons named who have been found innocent or not guilty of all charges in the respective case, and/or have had the case ordered expunged by the court can have their name, age, and city redacted by following the process defined at http://somd.me/expungeme .