LEONARDTOWN, Md. (June 23, 2014)—The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office released the following incident and arrest reports.
WELFARE CHECK LEADS TO PURSUIT, PATROL CAR WRECKED: On June 19 at 6:48 PM, Deputy Lawrence responded to a residence in the area of Wainwright Road and Thompson Corner Road to check the welfare of a suspicious white male subject operating a white Ford Ranger pick-up truck. Deputy Lawrence arrived in the area and made contact with the driver and sole occupant of the white truck identified as Joseph Michael Burkhard III, 31, of Mechanicsville. Deputy Lawrence spoke to Burkhard who indicated he had no reason for being on the caller’s property. Deputy Lawrence directed Burkhard to leave at which time he left the area in his truck.
Approximately 15 minutes later, Deputy Lawrence saw Burkhard’s truck pass the caller’s private driveway. Deputy Lawrence got behind the truck and saw it cross the center line several times. Deputy Lawrence activated his emergency lights and attempted to stop the truck. The driver refused to stop, the truck sped up, and a pursuit ensued. At one point, the truck came to a stop on Route 234 only to proceed after stopping for a brief moment. In the area of the entrance to the Maryland International Speedway, the driver suddenly came to a stop again, put the truck in reverse, and attempted to ram Deputy Lawrence’s patrol car just missing the right front quarter panel. The truck then took off again. Deputy Wesner was positioned ahead of the pursuit and deployed STOP Sticks. The truck traveled over the STOP Sticks puncturing 3 of the tires. As the truck attempted to enter the roundabout in Chaptico, Burkhard lost control causing the truck to come to a stop in the center of the cement island. Deputies ordered Burkhard to show his hands and exit the vehicle. He refused all commands but was taken into custody by Corporal Cathcart and his K9 partner Bruno. Burkhard was taken to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment then transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with 3 COUNTS of 1st Degree Assault, 3 COUNTS of 2nd Degree Assault on Law Enforcement Officer, 3 COUNTS 2nd Degree Assault, and 3 COUNTS of Reckless Endangerment. No law enforcement personnel were injured during this incident.
While responding with his emergency lights and siren activated to assist deputies with the vehicle pursuit, Deputy Gaskill was traveling west on Route 234 in the area of Hicks Drive, when he lost control of his vehicle and struck an embankment. No other vehicles were involved and Deputy Gaskill was not injured. The preliminary cause of the accident appears Deputy Gaskill’s vehicle struck standing water on the roadway and hydroplaned. The investigation into the exact cause of the accident is ongoing.
TRESPASSERS CHARGED: On June 17 at 12:04 AM, while conducting a premise check Deputy A. Cole and Deputy L. Johnson located Yoni A Alvarez Granados, 37, of Bryans Road, and Arturo Ernesto Rosa-Lopez, 33, of Woodbridge, Virginia, on the property of Campe Merrylande located in Piney Point. The investigation revealed Rosa-Lopez and Granados had walked across another property owned by a citizen to get to the Campe Merrylande property and were fishing when they were found by deputies. “No Trespassing” signs were clearly posted on both properties. Both suspects were charged with Trespass: Private Property by criminal citation.
On June 17 at 10:40 PM, Deputy A. Cole and Deputy L. Johnson conducted another premise check of the beach property of Campe Merrylande located in Piney Point. They located 3 suspects fishing on the posted private property. The 3 suspects are identified as Silvia Marisol Ventura Lopez, 21, of Falls Church, Virginia, Exon Estelmin Paiz Galeas, 28, of Alexandria, Virginia, and Rafael Amaya Gonzalez, 32, of Oxon Hill, Maryland. All three suspects were charged with Trespass: Private Property by criminal citation.
ARREST MADE IN LA QUINTA INN ROBBERY: On May 9, deputies responded to the La Quinta Inn located in California for the report of an armed robbery which occurred outside the business. The initial investigation by patrol deputies determined two victims were approached by a suspect armed with a handgun who demanded the victims give the suspect money and property. The suspect then pushed the gun into the head of one of the victims and instructed to him walk away. The suspect then fled on foot.
Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division were contacted and assumed the investigation. Detectives subsequently identified a suspect in the robbery as Aaron L. Pickeral, 35, of Lexington Park. On June 18, detectives located Pickeral and placed him under arrest. A search and seizure warrant was executed at his residence following his arrest and evidence was recovered.
Pickeral was charged with 2 counts of Armed Robbery and 2 counts of 1st Degree Assault. He was incarcerated in the St. Mary’s County Detention Center under no bond. Additional charges are pending following a review with the State’s Attorney’s Office.
ARMED ROBBERY: On June 18, an armed robbery occurred at T.C. Martins Jewelers located at 30105 Three Notch Road. The investigation conducted by the Maryland State Police, revealed that two black males entered the store and brandished a handgun. The suspects stole an undisclosed amount of currency, jewelry, and other miscellaneous property valued at more than $10,000.
The suspects were seen in a newer model, black, Cadillac Escalade.
Suspect #1 is described as a black male, in his early 30’s, 5’-08” to 5’-09” in height, weighing 150 to 160 lbs., with a slender build, and medium complexion.
Suspect #2 is described as a black male, in his early 30’s, 6’-00” to 6’-01” in height, weighing 250 to 300 lbs., with a large frame/ heavy build, medium complexion, and a thinly trimmed beard.
The Maryland State Police is asking anyone with information regarding this crime to contact TFC E. Reuschling assigned to the Criminal Enforcement Division at 443.684.4130 or call the MSP Leonardtown Barrack at 301.475.8955.
VANDALISM IN WILDEWOOD: Between June 2 and June 17, six vehicles have had one or more tires slashed during the night in the Wildewood residential neighborhood. Specifically, the vehicles were located on Falling Leaf Lane, Locust Ridge Court, and Poplar Wood Drive. The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office encourages citizens to promptly report suspicious activity by calling our non-emergency phone number at 301.475.8008. Calling police while the activity is in progress is a great help in solving crime, especially these random acts of vandalism.
BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE: On June 17, a victim, who resides on Guenther Drive in Great Mills, reported unknown suspect(s) entered her unlocked vehicle sometime between 5:00 PM on June 16 and 7:00 AM on June 17. Nothing appeared to have been stolen. Case remains open. Case #32667-14.
VANDALISM: On June 17, a victim, who resides on Hills Drive in Mechanicsville, reported three small holes in the sidelight of the front door to her residence. The holes were consistent with pellet gun projectiles. Case remains open. Case #32785-14.
ESCAPEE ARRESTED: On June 9, Cynthia Ann Hutchens, 33, of Port Tobacco, failed to report to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center after she was removed from a court ordered treatment program. Hutchens was ordered to the program as part of her 365 day sentence for 2nd Degree Assault on March 21, 2013 by Judge Christy Chesser. She was removed from the program for allegedly threatening another patient. On On June 15, 2014, Deputy McCuen located Hutchens at a residence in Mechanicsville and placed her under arrest. She was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and charged with 2nd Degree Escape.
VANDALISM: On June 16, a victim, who resides on Sue Drive in Lexington Park, reported unknown suspect(s) scratched a vehicle belonging to another person who was visiting her residence. Case #32448-14.
BURGLARY: On June 17, a victim, who resides on Canvas Drive in Callaway, reported unknown suspects forced entry and stole property from the residence. Case remains open and is assigned to Deputy L. Johnson. Case #32582-14.
ALCOHOL VIOLATION: On June 11, Sergeant Safford assigned to the Lexington Park COPs UNIT, observed suspect David Lee Garrison, 57, of no fixed address, on St. Mary’s County government property (bus stop on Tulagi Place) consuming an alcoholic beverage. Garrison was charged with the alcohol violation by criminal citation.
ASSAULT: On June 12, Deputy Fennessey responded to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center for a fight between inmates. The investigation revealed suspect Daniel Lee Gorham, 47, of no fixed address, pushed another inmate in the chest with hands during an argument over missing property. Gorham was charged with 2nd Degree Assault on DOC Employee (inmate).
ASSAULT: On June 13, Deputy Lawrence responded to the St. Mary’s County District Court building in Leonardtown for a fight between inmates. The investigation revealed suspect Aubrey Robbie Robinson, 22, of California, was arguing with another inmate over the disposition of a criminal case when Robinson spat on the inmate. Robinson then bit the victim inmate on the arm. Robinson was charged with 2nd Degree Assault on DOC Employee (inmate).
VIOLATION PROTECTIVE ORDER: On June 13, Deputy Schultz responded to a residence on Saint John’s Circle in Great Mills for a reported violation of a protective order. Deputies observed suspect Michael Lavar Yeldell, 37, of Great Mills, inside the residence in violation of an active protective order. Yeldell was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with Violation of Protective Order.
ASSAULT: On June 14, Deputy Phelan responded to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for a reported assault. The victim alleged suspect Gerald Wayne Moorman, 30, of Mechanicsville, assaulted the victim when he pushed the victim repeatedly to the ground during an argument. The victim sustained numerous injuries including a broken wrist as a result. Moorman was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 2nd Degree Assault.
ASSAULT: On June 14, Corporal O'Connor responded to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center for a reported fight between inmates. The investigation revealed suspect Tracy Otis Braswell, 19, of no fixed address, struck the victim inmate with his fists during an argument on 6-13-14. Braswell was charged with 2nd Degree Assault.
THEFT: On June 15, Deputy Tirpak responded to Walmart in California for a reported theft. Loss prevention employees reported suspect Shakeena Monique Jackson, 27, of Lexington Park, concealed merchandise in her purse and diaper bag then left the store without paying. The value of the merchandise was over $100.00. Jackson was charged with Theft Under $1,000 by criminal citation.
ASSAULT: On June 15, Deputy Gaskill responded to a residence in Bushwood for a reported assault. The victim alleged suspect Phillip Ernest Cole, 49, of Indian Head, struck the victim in the face with a closed fist during an argument over leaving the residence. While conducting the investigation, Cole began to yell threatening statements toward the victim causing a disturbance. Cole was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 2nd Degree Assault.
ASSAULT: On June 16, Corporal Connelly responded to a residence on Devin Circle in Lexington Park for a reported assault. The victim alleged suspect Brandon Girard Allen, 26, of Lexington Park, tackled the victim to the floor during an argument over infidelity. Corporal Connelly observed fresh evidence of injury on the victim. Allen was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 2nd Degree Assault.
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT - On June 15 at 8:52 PM, deputies responded to Three Notch Road in the area of the Charlotte Hall Motel for an accident involving a motorcycle. The investigation revealed the 2005 Harley Davidson motorcycle struck the back of a 2001 BMW passenger car. The driver and passenger on the motorcycle were ejected. Both were flown to PG Shock Trauma for precautionary measures. Case #32214-14.
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 .