LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Jan. 27, 2015)—The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office released the following incident and arrest reports.
SERIOUS MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH ON PATUXENT BEACH ROAD: On January 18 at 11:47 PM, deputies responded to the base of the Thomas Johnson Bridge on Patuxent Beach Road to assist the Calvert County Sheriff's Office with a vehicle pursuit. The vehicle, a 2015 Chrysler 200 subsequently crashed. The driver, identified as George Alfred Nock 3rd, 27, of Forestville, sustained severe life-threatening injuries and was flown to Prince George's Shock Trauma by Maryland State Police Trooper 7.
Members of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Collision Reconstruction Team responded and assumed the investigation. Preliminary investigation revealed Nock was traveling south on Patuxent Beach Road in the area of Oak Drive when he attempted to swerve around a Maryland State Police vehicle, lost control, and struck a guardrail. The vehicle overturned down an embankment and came to rest on the roof. Nock was trapped inside the vehicle and was extricated by fire department personnel. At this time, speed appears to be a contributing factor in this accident. No citizens or police were injured.
Arrests
POLICE IMPERSONATORS CHARGED: On January 8, the sheriff's office received multiple reports of 2 white males alleging to be law enforcement or law enforcement related personnel at various businesses in St. Mary's County.
The suspects entered the Papa John's located on Great Mills Road in Lexington Park and indicated they were bounty hunters looking for a wanted subject. At the Seabreeze Restaurant located on North Sandgates Road in Mechanicsville the pair indicated they were going to local bars because of recent disturbances. They were also spotted at the WaWa located on the corner of Route 5 and Route 235 in Mechanicsville. One of the suspects indicated he was a police officer investigating drug sales. He displayed an unknown badge.
The suspects were operating a 1980's model Jeep, black or primer gray with silver lightening bolts on the front. The Jeep was possibly a Commando model with a pick up truck bed.
Suspect #1 was described as a white male, with dark hair, dark eyes, wearing black pants and a black hooded sweatshirt. He was carrying a baton, (commonly referred to as a night stick), and a holstered firearm on his side.
Suspect #2 was described as a white male, wearing tan pants, a sweatshirt with a Marine Corps graphic on the chest, and black boots. He was carrying a large knife in a sheath on his belt.
As a result of the public's help, both suspects were quickly identified and have now been charged. On January 16, Nicholas Philip Gibson-Mancuso, 18, of Mechanicsville, was charged by criminal summons. The second male suspect, 16, of Mechanicsville, has also been charged. Both were charged with 2 counts of Impersonating Police Officers.
SUSPECT APPREHENDED AFTER CHASE: On January 21, at 8:18 PM, deputies responded to a residence in the 19000 block of Three Notch Road for a reported assault. While responding to the residence, the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) advised that the suspect identified as Christopher Lee Cotsford, 32, of no fixed address, stole a vehicle, (1997 Ford Explorer) and fled the scene. Corporal Jason Graves saw the vehicle traveling northbound on Three Notch Road at Tulagi Place. The vehicle ran the red light while making a left turn onto Great Mills Road. Corporal Graves activated his emergency lights and sirens at which time the vehicle turned off it's headlights and refused to stop. The vehicle entered the Lord Calvert Trailer Park where it crashed into the porch of a residence and came to a stop. Cotsford was subsequently taken into custody with the help of K9 Hakan after he refused to exit the vehicle. He was initially transported to MEDSTAR St. Mary's Hospital and treated for minor bite wounds. Cotsford was then transported to the St. Mary's County Detention Center and charged with Unlawful Taking Motor Vehicle, Theft $1,000 to $10,000, Unauthorized Removal of Property, 2nd Degree Assault, and numerous traffic citations; to include Driving Under the Influence and Driving While Suspended/Revoked.
The investigation revealed, the victim and Cotsford were engaged in an argument when Cotsford, (who was intoxicated), attempted to strangle the victim with his hands. The assault ended after another person at the residence intervened. Cotsford picked up the keys to the Ford Explorer (belonging to the person who intervened) and fled the residence. Case #3874-15.
THEFT MOTOR VEHICLE: On January 12, Deputy Murphy responded to a residence on Locke’s Crossing Road in Mechanicsville. The victim alleged suspect Timothy Dale Murray, 19, of Mechanicsville, became angry after the victim refused to take him to a friend’s house. Murray threw items in the residence causing damage. He then began to strike a fence post outside with a bat. When the victim told Murray she was going to call police, he took the keys to her vehicle and left in her 1996 Ford E-150 van. Murray was subsequently located at a friend’s residence and placed under arrest. He was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with Unauthorized Removal of Property, Theft Under $100.00, and Property Destruction Under $1,000.00. Case #2043-15.
ASSAULT: On January 12, Corporal Kirkner responded to a residence on Tree Top Road in Lexington Park for an assault. The victim alleged suspect Harold G. Toting, 38, of Lexington Park, struck the victim in the head several times with his fist. Corporal Kirkner observed fresh evidence of injury on the victim. Toting was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 2nd Degree Assault. Case #2023-15.
STRAIN CHARGED WITH RONALD DRIVE SHOOTING: On January 18, deputies responded to the area of Ronald Drive for the report of shots being fired. Deputies determined multiple gunshots had been fired at an occupied vehicle which left the area prior to their arrival. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.
A short time later, the vehicle was located in the Westbury subdivision and the operator was subsequently identified. Following an extensive investigation detectives were able to identify a suspect in the case. Warrants were obtained for the arrest of Sydney Antwan Strain, 26, of no fixed address. On January 22, Strain was taken into custody, charged with 2 counts of Assault 1st Degree and 2 counts of Assault 2nd Degree and incarcerated in the St. Mary’s County Detention Center where he is being held on a $250,000 bond.
Detectives are continuing their investigation into additional shooting incidents in the Lexington Park area on January 18. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact CRIME SOLVERS at 301. 475.3333, or text a tip to “TIP239” plus your message to “CRIMES” (274637).
DETECTIVES INVESTIGATING MULTIPLE SHOOTINGS IN LEXINGTON PARK: On January 17, deputies responded to a report of shots fired on Lucca Way. Witnesses reported hearing a single gun shot. No victims were located. However, possible evidence was collected from the area.
On January 18 at 2:45 PM, deputies responded to the area of Ronald Drive in Lexington Park for a report of shots fired. Witnesses indicated multiple suspects possibly fired shots. One of the rounds was believed to have struck a vehicle. A short time later, deputies located a vehicle with the rear windshield smashed in front of a residence on Manon Way. Detectives responded and were able to make contact with all of the subjects inside the residence. No victims were located.
At 7:00 PM, deputies responded to the Sheetz gas station located on the corner of Great Mills Road and Point Lookout Road for a male who had been shot. Investigation revealed the victim, identified as Jeremy Devon Neal, 21, of Lexington Park, was on North Essex Drive when a dark colored car passed by. An unidentified suspect in the car fired a single shot which struck Neal in the upper body. Neal's friends put him in a vehicle and began to drive to the hospital. Along the way, they stopped the vehicle at the Sheetz and called 911. Deputies and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel responded. Neal was subsequently flown to an area hospital by Maryland State Police Trooper 7 with life threatening injuries. He was last listed in guarded condition.
At 7:13 PM, a male victim drove into the Sheetz gas station parking lot, located on the corner of Great Mills Road and Point Lookout Road after he saw the police and ambulance (treating the earlier victim). The victim, identified as Maxwell Jason Heyliger, 35, of Lexington Park, was exiting the parking lot of the Sign of the Whale liquor store, located on 21899 Three Notch Road in Lexington Park, when approximately 2 rounds struck his vehicle; one of which struck Heyliger in the hand.
On January 19 at 1:00 AM, deputies responded to a residence on Maria Way in Lexington Park, for the report of shots fired. Investigation revealed unknown suspect(s) fired rounds at the residence as they drove by. There were no victims as a result of this shooting.
Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division are actively investigating all of these events. At this time, the majority of these shootings are believed to be related. Additional personnel, to include members of the Lexington Park COPs Unit, will be out in force in Lexington Park.
VIOLATION PROTECTIVE ORDER: On January 15, Deputy Kevin Molitor, contacted a victim who alleged the suspect Kelly Joseph Fordham, 24, of Lexington Park, was driving the vehicle when he suddenly steered into oncoming traffic while threatening to kill the victim in violation of an active protective order. Fordham was located and placed under arrest. He was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with Violation of Protective Order and Reckless Endangerment. Case #2578-15.
ASSAULT: On January 19, Deputy Wilson responded to a residence on Deerwood Park Drive in Leonardtown for a domestic assault in progress. The victim alleged suspect Robert Jeffery Greenberg, 59, of Leonardtown, grabbed the victim by the shoulders and turned to the victim around. The victim fell to floor in the process. Deputy Wilson observed fresh evidence of injury on the victim. Greenberg was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 2nd Degree Assault. Case #3436-15.
BURGLARY: On January 19, DFC Bowen responded to a residence on Warwick Drive in Lexington Park for a burglary. The victim reported unknown suspect(s) entered the home by breaking glass out of the back door and stole several game consoles, wrist watches, an iPhone, and an Apple laptop computer. Deputy Bowen’s investigation identified Dashawn James Lee Lawson, 20, of Lexington Park, as a suspect after he was located at an area pawn shop with some of the stolen items. A second suspect was subsequently identified as Leonard Charles Hall, 20, of Lexington Park. Both suspects were placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. Both were charged with 1st Degree Burglary, Theft $1,000.00 to $10,000, and Property Destruction. Case #3361-15.
FALSE STATEMENT TO POLICE OFFICER: On January 19, Deputy L. Johnson conducted a vehicle stop on a black Nissan Altima in the area of Pacific Drive in Lexington Park. The driver provided, what was determined to be a false name to Deputy Johnson. The driver was positively identified as Oliver Thomas Smith, 27, of Lexington Park. Smith’s privilege to drive in Maryland was suspended. During a search of the vehicle 41 blue pills, identified as Oxycodone, were located. Smith was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with Controlled Dangerous Substance Possession – Not Marijuana, False Statement to Police Officer, and cited for traffic violations. Case # 3300-15.
DETECTIVES SOLVE THE MISSION BURGLARY: On January 15, detectives served Terrell Anthony Duckett, 18, of no fixed address, with an arrest warrant charging him with Felony 2nd Degree Burglary, Property Destruction Under $1,000, and Theft Under 100.00.
On December 23, 2014, deputies responded The Mission located at 21015 Great Mills Road, after an employee observed the glass door had been shattered and the business had been burglarized. While waiting for deputies to arrive, the employee observed a black male suspect turn the lights on inside the business and proceed to search through several plastic containers. The suspect fled the area just prior to police arrival. The description of the suspect was shared with all Patrol personnel.
On December 24, 2014, Deputy Bare was at the Soup Kitchen located on Great Mills Road, when he spotted a subject matching the description of The Mission burglary suspect. Deputy Bare subsequently identified the subject as Terrell Anthony Duckett and learned Duckett had an active arrest warrant charging him with 1st Degree Burglary, (for a burglary which occurred a month prior). Deputy Bare placed Duckett under arrest and transported him to the St. Mary's County Detention Center where the warrant was served.
Detectives subsequently identified Duckett as the suspect who burglarized The Mission on 12/23/2014.
VIOLATION PROTECTIVE ORDER: On December 23, 2014, Corporal Kevin Meyer conducted a vehicle stop for a traffic violation in the area of Wildewood Parkway and Wildewood Drive. After issuing the driver a warning, the vehicle and Corporal Meyer cleared the stop. A short time later, Corporal Meyer was notified the front seat passenger identified as Nathaniel Carl Taylor, 21, of Park Hall, was the respondent in a protective order. The protected person had been the driver of the vehicle during the aforementioned traffic stop. Corporal Meyer subsequently located Taylor at his residence and placed him under arrest. Taylor was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with the Protective Order Violation. Case #68520-14.
ASSAULT: On December 29, 2014, Corporal Rogers responded to residence on Chancellor’s Run Road for a reported assault. The victim alleged suspect Keasha Leigh Crafton, 39, of Great Mills, assaulted the victim during an argument. Corporal Rogers observed fresh scratch marks on the victim. Crafton was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. She was charged with 2nd Degree Assault. Case #69414-14.
ASSAULT: On December 30, 2014, Deputy Pontorno responded to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center for a fight between inmates. Investigation revealed suspect Vaughn Jerome Chase, 47, of Leonardtown, struck the victim inmate in the face with his fist during an argument. Chase was charged with 2nd Degree Assault DOC Employee (inmate). Case #69661-14.
ASSAULT: On December 30, 2014, Deputy Krum responded to a residence on Colton Street in Leonardtown, for a domestic disturbance. The victim alleged suspect Elizabeth Gloria Harmon, 30, of Leonardtown, assaulted the victim during an argument. Deputy Krum observed fresh injuries on the victim’s head, neck and face. Harmon was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. She was charged with 2nd Degree Assault. Case #69632-14.
ASSAULT: On January 1, Deputy McClure responded to the Chief’s Bar in Tall Timbers for a reported assault. The victim alleged suspect Sarah Cathleen Watkins, 26, of Tall Timbers, entered the bar and began arguing with the victim. Watkins appeared to be intoxicated and was crying. The victim left the bar and went home. Watkins arrived at the residence a short time later and the argument continued. The victim asked Watkins to leave and she refused. The victim attempted to escort Watkins out of the residence when Watkins scratched the victim's neck with her fingers leaving a visible injury. The investigation determined Watkins was the aggressor and she was placed under arrest. Watkins became increasingly uncooperative and refused to be seated in the police car. She kicked at several officers and had to be transported to the detention center by transport van. Once at the detention center, a tablet of Ambien and a tablet of Adderall were found inside her handbag. Watkins was charged with 2nd Degree Assault, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance, and Possession Contraband in Place of Confinement. Case #23-15.
THEFT MOTOR VEHICLE: On January 2 at 4:11 PM, Sergeant Safford, assigned to the Lexington Park COPs UNIT, observed a red passenger vehicle drive slowly behind the McKays Food store on Great Mills Road. The vehicle parked for a brief moment then headed toward the Carver School. As Sergeant Safford began to follow the vehicle, the driver accelerated and came to an abrupt stop in the rear of the Park Villa Apartments. The driver fled on foot. Sergeant Safford observed the suspect near the woodline and detained him. The suspect was identified as Tracy Otis Braswell, 19, of Lexington Park. Witness statements and other evidence supported Braswell as being the suspect who fled from Sergeant Safford. A computer check on the vehicle revealed it had been reported stolen on 01/01/2015. A subsequent search of Braswell’s backpack revealed 2 marijuana grinders and a smoking device with marijuana residue. Brasswell was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center by Deputy A. Cole. He was charged with Motor Vehicle Theft, Theft 1,000 to 10,000, and Possession Paraphernalia. Case #51-15.
FIRST DEGREE BURLGARY: On January 3, Deputy Pontorno responded to a residence located on Cambridge Avenue in Lexington Park. The victim alleged suspect Vernell Theresa Jefferson, 50, of Lexington Park, entered the victim’s residence without permission and sprayed the victim in the face with mace. Jefferson was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. She was charged with 1st Degree Burlgary and 2nd Degree Assault. Case #461-15.
ASSAULT: On January 4, Deputy Siciliano responded to the area of the A & W restaurant located in Callaway for an assault. The victim alleged suspect Ryan David Scott, 24, of Lusby, assaulted the victim by picking the victim up and shoving the victim to the ground by the back of the neck. When a witness attempted to intervene, Scott pointed a knife at the witness. Scott was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 2 COUNTS 2nd Degree Assault. Case #610-15.
1ST DEGREE ASSAULT: On January 6, Deputy Wilson responded to a residence on Hermanville Road in Lexington Park for a domestic assault. The victim alleged suspect Nicole Yvette Taylor, 30, of Lexington Park, engaged in an argument which ended after the victim hid in a bedroom closet. a short time later, the victim left the closet and fell asleep on the sofa. The victim woke up to Taylor on top of the victim holding a knife. Taylor swung the knife cutting the victim’s hand. A struggle ensued and Taylor fled the residence prior to the arrival of deputies. Deputy Wilson and Deputy Roszell located Taylor at a residence in Leonardtown. She was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. Taylor was charged with 1st and 2nd Degree Assault. Case #879-15.
Incident Briefs
01/9/2015 BURGLARY - A victim, who resides on Hills Drive in Mechanicsville, reported unknown suspect(s) entered her shed and stole property. Case remains open. Case #1587-15.
01/10/2015 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT (FLY OUT) - At 3:33 AM, deputies responded to the intersection of Three Notch Road and Great Mills Road for a motor vehicle accident. Investigation revealed, Fabian Monsivaisenorio, 31, was operating a 1996 Chevrolet truck when he lost control. Monsivaisenorio's vehicle struck the Great Mills Road eastbound traffic light pole. The collision caused the light pole to collapse in the roadway. The driver was subsequently flown to an area hospital by MSP helicopter with none life-threatening injuries. Case #1739-15.
01/10/2015 BURGLARY - Unknown suspect(s) forcibly entered Yummy's Korean and Japanese Restaurant located on Great Mills Road and stole property. Case remains open. Case #1743-15.
01/10/2015 BURGLARY MOTOR VEHICLE - A victim, who resides in the 19000 block of Three Notch Road in Lexington Park, reported unknown suspect(s) entered her vehicle and stole property. Case #1813-15.
01/13/2015 THEFT - A victim reported unknown suspect(s) stole several boat and car batteries from the Point Lookout Marina in Ridge. Case remains open. Case #2198-15.
01/13/2015 BURGLARY - A victim reported unknown suspect(s) smashed a window out of her car while parked in the Days Off Deli and Grill in Lexington Park. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle and stole property. Case remains open. Case #2225-15.
01/14/2015 THEFT - A complainant reported unknown suspect(s) entered a vacant residence in Mechanicsville and stole property. Case remains open. Case #2301-15.
01/16/2015 THEFT - A victim, who resides on Lucas Cove Road in St. Mary's City, reported unknown suspect(s) stole a package which had been delivered by FedEx. The theft occurred on 12/19/2014. Case #2810-15.
01/16/2015 FRAUD - A victim, who resides on Old Village Road in Mechanicsville, reported unknown suspect(s) used his credit card to make fraudulent purchases. Case remains open. Case #2813-15.
01/18/2015 BURGLARY - A victim, who resides on Winding Way in Lexington Park, reported unknown suspect(s) pried open the doors to 2 sheds and entered the residence by breaking a window. Nothing appeared to have been stolen. Case remains open. Case #2996-15.
01/19/2015 BURGLARY MOTOR VEHICLE - A victim reported his unlocked vehicle was entered by unknown suspect(s) while parked at MedStar St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown. Numerous items were stolen. Case remains open. Case #3379-15.
01/19/2015 COUNTERFEIT COMPLAINT - A complainant reported an unidentified female suspect used counterfeit currency to purchase gas from the Charlotte Hall Exxon. Case remains open. Case #3336-15.
01/19/2015 - THEFT - A victim, who resides in Hollywood, reported unknown suspect(s) stole a delivery of over the counter medications from his mailbox, Case remains open. Case #3395-15.
01/20/2015 BURGLARY - A victim, who resides on Darcy Lane in Great Mills, reported unknown suspect(s) entered the residence and stole money. Case remains open. Case #3468-15.
01/20/2015 BURGLARY MOTOR VEHICLE - A victim, who resides in Leonardtown, reported 3 unlocked vehicles had been entered over night and property was stolen. Case #3565-15.
01/21/2015 BURGLARY MOTOR VEHICLE - A victim reported property was stolen from his vehicle while parked at Lowes in California. Case #3813-15.
01/21/2015 COUNTERFEIT COMPLAINT - An unidentified male suspect used counterfeit 50 dollar bills to purchase a prepaid Mastercard. Case #3823-15.
01/21/2015 BURGLARY - A victim, who resides on Liberty Street in Lexington Park, reported unknown suspect(s) forced entry into his residence and stole money and property. Case #3829-15.
01/21/2015 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT - Jeffery Allen Brown, 45, was operating his Dodge Grand Caravan and entered the drive through at the CVS in Leonardtown. He dropped his credit card out of the window and opened the car door to retrieve it. After leaning his head out to pick up the card, the car moved forward pinning his head between the door and the car. Brown was transported to Prince George's Hospital with head injuries. Case #3827-15.
01/22/2015 BURGLARY - Deputies responded to an alarm call at Blue Wind Cafe located in the 22000 block of Three Notch Road. Deputies found the front door smashed. Unknown suspect(s) stole property from the cafe. Case remains open. Case #3944-15.
01/22/2015 BURGLARY - A victim, who resides on Melrose Lane in Mechanicsville, reported unknown suspect(s) entered the unlocked residence and stole property. Case remains open. Case #4004-15.
01/23/2015 COUNTERFEIT COMPLAINT - Unknown suspects paid for items at Advanced Auto Parts in California, with 2 counterfeit 20 dollar bills. Case #4320-15.
01/24/2015 BURGLARY MOTOR VEHICLE - A victim, who resides on Indian Way in Lexington Park, reported unknown suspect(s) entered her vehicle and stole property. Case #4461-15.
01/24/2015 THEFT - Unknown suspect(s) stole property from the Chicken Scratch Feed-Seed-Bead located in the 18000 block of Point Lookout Road. Case #4470-15.
01/25/2015 THEFT - A victim, who resides on White Burch Court in California, reported unknown suspect(s) stole a bicycle from the back patio of the residence. Case #4532-15.
01/26/2015 BURGLARY - A victim, who resides on Oregon Way, reported unknown suspect(s) forcibly entered her residence and stole property. Case #4733-15.
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 .