LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Aug. 27, 2015)—The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office released the following incident and arrest reports.
MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION ON PATUXENT BEACH ROAD: On Wednesday, August 26, at approximately 1:30 p.m members of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported serious motor vehicle collision on Patuxent Beach Road in the area of North Patuxent Beach Road.
Deputies arrived on scene to discover a head-on, two vehicle collision. Preliminary investigation determined a 2009 Toyota Rav 4, operated by Diane Vanaman of Great Mills, was traveling south on Patuxent Beach Road when her vehicle crossed the center line and entered the northbound lanes. Vanaman's vehicle then struck a 2011 GMC Acadia operated by Genevieve Piatt of Lusby. Vanaman was pronounced dead on the scene. Piatt was transported by Maryland State Police Trooper 7 to Prince George's Hospital Center with non-life threatening injuries.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision, and has not already provided a statement, is asked to contact Deputy Vincent Pontorno at 301-475-4040.
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH ON AIREDALE ROAD: On August 16 at 1:57 pm, deputies responded to a single vehicle crash on Airedele Road at Fishermen Way. Deputies located a 2003 Land Rover Discovery crashed into a tree. The male driver, and sole occupant of the vehicle, suffered serious injuries and was in and out of consciousness.
Members of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. The preliminary investigation revealed the Land Rover was heading east on Airedele Road when it left the roadway to the right and over corrected. The driver continued to lose control, traveling across both lanes of Airedale Road and eventually off the roadway traveling along a ditch. The vehicle then struck a tree and came to rest.
The driver was transported to Prince Georges Shock Trauma by Maryland State Police helicopter and was last listed in stable condition. At this time, speed is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash.
The identity of the driver has not yet been confirmed. Anyone who has information regarding this crash or the identity of the driver is asked to call Deputy Christopher Beyer at 301-475-4040.
Sheriff's Office Response to Target Shooting Inquiries
Recently, the Sheriff's Office has received inquiries from citizens regarding recreational target shooting with firearms on private property in residential neighborhoods.
On August 10th, Captain Edward Willenborg, Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division, met with State's Attorney Richard Fritz and Assistant State's Attorney Daniel White to discuss the issue and obtain a legal opinion. SA Fritz advised there is no specific criminal statute, (state or local), preventing a citizen from conducting recreational target shooting with a firearm on his/her property. However, State's Attorney Fritz provided a civil statute 5-403.1 Private nuisance actions against sport shooting ranges found in the Annotated Code of Maryland that applies to Sport Shooting Ranges. It was the opinion of SA Fritz and ASA White that this statute could be used by a neighborhood to file a civil nuisance action against a property owner.
The Sheriff's Office would remind anyone participating in recreational or competition target shooting or hunting with a firearm to do so safely. Safety is the responsibility of everyone. ALWAYS follow the cardinal rules for safe gun handling:
1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
4. KNOW your target and what is behind it.
The consequences for the negligent handling of firearms can be severe. Potential CRIMINAL charges could range from misdemeanor Property Destruction and Reckless Endangerment to felony Assault and Homicide. Although there is no statute governing recreational target shooting on private property in a residential neighborhood, the consequences for doing so negligently are very real.
For more information VISIT the National Rifle Association website at www.nra.org and the National Shooting Sports Foundation website at www.nssf.org
CITIZEN COMPLAINTS LEAD TO HEAVY TRAFFIC CHARGES FOR DRIVER: On August 7, the Sheriff’s Office received several complaints from citizens concerning the reckless operation of a white pick-up truck traveling along Route 238 in the northern end of St. Mary's County. One citizen provided a video of the truck operating with total disregard for other drivers. Corporal Brian Connelly assigned to the Traffic Safety Unit, investigated the complaint and observed the driver commit several violations of Maryland Traffic Law in the video. Those violations were also supported by other drivers who witnessed the truck operating on Route 238. On August 20th, Corporal Connelly made contact with the driver, identified as Nicholas Cave, age 25, of Mechanicsville, and issued him traffic citations for Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving, and Failure to Drive Right of Center.
FIGHT AT GREAT MILLS HIGH SCHOOL: On August 27 at 10:10 AM, Corporal Kristi Nelson, School Resource Officer for Great Mills High School, responded to a fight involving 3 students inside the school. Corporal Nelson immediately attempted to break up the fight and was assaulted. Corporal Nelson called for additional officers to respond. Several additional officers arrived at the school within minutes and the 3 students involved in the fight were taken into custody. No serious injuries were reported. All police officers have left and the school has resumed normal activities.
SUSPECT CHARGED WITH FIRST DEGREE ASSAULT: On August 17, deputies responded to the area of Maria Way after the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received reports of shots fired. The investigation revealed suspect Kevin Benjamin Berry, age 27, of Lexington Park, and an adult male victim engaged in a fight. At some point, Berry displayed a handgun and fired several shots at the victim. Several of the bullets struck a nearby residence. No one was injured during the incident. Berry was located, placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. During transport, Berry discarded a pill bottle containing several suspected oxycodone pills. The label on the bottle had been removed. Berry was charged with 1st Degree Assault, Possession Controlled Dangerous Substance – Not Marijuana, Possession Paraphernalia, Use of a Firearm during Felony, Reckless Endangerment, and Possession of a Regulated Firearm by DFC Schultz. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and the investigation into this incident continues. CASE #48295-15
DOMESTIC ASSAULT: On August 1, Deputy J. Smith responded to a residence in the 22000 block of Town Creek Road in Lexington Park, for the report of a domestic assault. The victim alleged suspect, Tifany Nycole Gross, age 39, of Lexington Park, pushed the victim and attempted to take their daughter. Gross then struck the victim in the head with a picture frame. The victim displayed fresh, visible open wounds to the head. Gross was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. She was charged with 2nd degree assault. CASE# 45023-15
DOMESTIC ASSAULT: On August 10, Deputy B. Foor responded to a residence in the 21000 block of Great Mills Road in Lexington Park, for the report of a domestic assault. The victim alleged suspect Adam Robert Neal, age 31, of Lusby, punched the victim in the left upper arm during an argument. The victim displayed a large red mark on the arm. Neal was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 2nd degree assault. CASE# 46737-15
DOMESTIC ASSAULT: On August 10, Deputy T. Siciliano responded to a residence in the 22000 block of Iverson Drive in Lexington Park, for the report of an assault. The victim alleged suspect, Thanh Phu Pham, age 46, of Lexington Park, raised a knife to the victim’s neck stating he would kill the victim during an argument over the eviction of the victim. Pham was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 1st and 2nd degree assault. CASE# 46829-15
DISORDERLY CONDUCT: On August 11, Deputy A. Cole responded to the 46000 block of Midway Drive, in Lexington Park, to assist other deputies with the violation of a protective order. While the violator of the protective order was in custody, deputies witnessed suspect, Angela Renee Carter, age 24, of Lexington Park, yell at deputies prior to exiting her vehicle. Several deputies asked Ms. Carter to back away while they completed their investigation. Carter refused to follow the instructions, and continued to create a disturbance. Deputy Cole instructed Carter to stop yelling or she would be placed under arrest. Carter refused and was placed under arrest. Carter continued to act is a disorderly manner after her arrest, refusing to provide her name. She was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with Disorderly Conduct, Failure to Obey Lawful Order, Interfere with Arrest and Obstruction and Hindering. CASE# 46977-15
VIOLATION PROTECTIVE ORDER: On August 11, Deputy D. Potter responded to a residence in the 46000 block of Midway Drive, for a violation of a protective order. The victim alleged suspect, Roger Lee Wathen, age 23, of Lexington Park has custody of their two children in violation of their protective order. Upon arrival, Deputy Potter did see one of the children go into the home. Deputy Potter was speaking with Wathen at the front door, when Wathen let one of the children inside. Wathen shut the door to conceal the child from deputies. Deputy Potter placed his hand on the door to prevent Wathen from shutting it. Deputy Potter and Deputy Gaskill grabbed Wathen and pulled him outside, placing him under arrest. While placing Wathen into custody he pulled away and attempted to get back inside the house. Wathen was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with Failure to comply with an Order of Court and Resisting Arrest. CASE# 46964-15
DOMESTIC ASSAULT: On August 23, Deputy Schultz responded to the 46000 block of Shinning Willow Lane in Lexington Park, for a reported assault. The victim alleged Tonya Lynette Albers, age 41, of Lexington Park, hit and scratched the victim with her hands during a verbal argument. The victim displayed signs of injury consistent with the allegations. Albers was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. She was charged with 2nd Degree Assault. CASE# 49460-15
DOMESTIC ASSAULT: On August 23, Deputy Lawrence responded to the 19000 block of Three Notch Road in Lexington Park, for a reported assault. The victim alleged Michael James Maloney, age 28, of Lexington Park, struck the victim in the face with an open right hand. The victim displayed signs of injury consistent with the allegations. Maloney was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 2nd Degree Assault. CASE# 49343-15
BURGLARY: On August 22, Deputy Wesner responded to the 47000 block of Willow Drive in Lexington Park, after a witness reported a burglary to a residence. Deputy Wesner located a suspect inside the residence, identified as George Michael Young, age 68, of Lexington Park. Young did not have permission to be inside the residence and destroyed property inside the home. Young was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with two counts of 4th Degree Burglary and Destruction of Property. CASE# 49270-15
BURGLARY: On August 22, Deputy Wesner responded to the 45000 block of Halsey Court in California, for the report of a burglary. William Anthony Dunnington, age 28, of Lexington Park, forcibly opened a locked door and entered the residence. The victim and witness left the residence to stay in a nearby motel. Dunnington followed the victim and witness to the motel where he attempted to gain entry through the doors and windows. Dunnington was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 4th Degree Burglary and Destruction of Property. CASE# 49145-15
VIOLATION PROTECTIVE ORDER: On August 22, Corporal O’Connor initiated a traffic stop for erratic driving. Further investigation revealed there was an active protective order between the driver Michael Leshawn Johnson, age 27, of Lexington Park and a passenger. Johnson was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention. He was charged with Violation Protective Order. CASE# 49148-15
FAILURE TO REGISTER SEX OFFENDER: On August 19, Dana Clint Robinson, age 41, of Mechanicsville, failed to register his new address, phone number and place of employment as required by the Maryland Statue. Robinson, who is a tier III lifetime registered sex offender, failed to provide the registry with information as required, despite being given the information to do so. On August 21, Robinson was located and placed under arrest by Corporal Raddatz. Robinson was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with five counts of Sex Offender Registry violations. CASE# 48617-15
DOMESTIC ASSAULT: On August 20, Deputy Logue responded to the 17000 block of Mt. Zion Church Road in St. Inigoes, for the report of an assault with a handgun. The victim alleged suspect, Joseph Ignatius Bracken, age 43, of St. Inigoes threatened the victim with a handgun during an argument. Bracken then pointed the handgun at the victim’s head and demanded the victim leave the home. The victim fled the home and called 911. Deputy Logue later determined the handgun was not real. Bracken was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 1st and 2nd Degree Assault. CASE# 48800-15
Incident Briefs
8/14/2015 BURGLARY: Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a home in the 48000 block of Mattapany Road in Lexington Park, and stole property. CASE #47477-15
8/14/2015 VANDALISM: Unknown suspect(s) spray painted 3 vehicles and lawn ornaments along Cobrums Wharf Road in Avenue. CASE #47556-15
8/14/2015 BURGLARY: Unknown suspect entered a residence on Three Notch Road in Hollywood. CASE #47643-15
8/15/2015 BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE - Unknown suspects entered a unsecured vehicle in the 21000 block of Indian Bridge Road and stole property. CASE # 47781-15
8/15/2015 BURGLARY: Unknown suspect entered a residence in the 36000 block of West Lakeland Drive and stole property. CASE # 4773-15
8/15/2015 ASSIST OTHER AGENCY: Deputies assisted the Maryland State Police with a vehicle pursuit in Charlotte Hall. The vehicle eventually stopped and the driver fled on foot. CASE # 47779-15
8/15/2015 BURGLARY: Unknown suspects entered a garage on Shelby Leigh Court in Lexington Park and stole property. CASE # 47814-15
8/16/2015 THEFT: Unknown suspects stole two all-terrain vehicles from a shed in the 24000 block of Budds Creek Road in Clements. The ATV's were located across the street in the wood line. CASE # 48044-15
8/17/2015 Fraud: Unknown suspects used a victim's identity to apply for credit cards. CASE # 48191-15
8/18/2015 BURGLARY: During the overnight hours, unknown suspect(s) broke into a vehicle and stole cash in the area of Golden Beach, Mechanicsville. CASE # 48318-15
8/19/2015 THEFT: Unknown suspect(s) stole cell tower batteries from a storage compartment at a cell tower site in the area of 26000 Locust Grove Farm Lane in Hollywood. The exact date of the theft is unknown. CASE# 49541-15
8/21/2015 BURGLARY: Unknown suspect(s) entered a residence in the 48000 block of S. Pembrook Drive in Lexington Park and caused property damage. CASE# 48833-15
8/21/2015 BURGLARY: Unknown suspect(s) entered a residence in the 4000 block of Duke Road and stole property. CASE# 48862-15
8/21/2015 THEFT: Unknown suspect(s) stole a cellphone at Great Mills High School. CASE# 48860-15
8/21/2015 THEFT: Unknown suspect(s) stole a license plate from a parked trailer on Richard Circle in Mechanicsville. CASE# 49023-15
8/22/2015 BURGLARY: Unknown suspect(s) entered three unsecured vehicles in on Forest Hall Drive in Helen and stole property. CASE# 49181-15
8/22/2015 THEFT: Unknown suspect(s) stole a tag from a motorcycle. The theft occurred sometime during the day, while the motorcycle was being driven to various locations in St. Mary’s County. CASE# 49039-15
8/23/2015 THEFT: Unknown suspect(s) stole a rear registration plate from a vehicle while it was parked in the MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital parking lot. CASE# 49360-15
8/23/2015 VANDALISM: Unknown suspect(s) damaged tires on a vehicle on Harpers Court in Mechanicville. CASE # 49367-15
8/23/2015 VANDALISM: Unknown suspect(s) broke the back window of a vehicle on Columbus Drive in Lexington Park. CASE # 49384-15
8/23/2015 THEFT: Unknown suspect(s) stole a Maryland Registration plate from a vehicle on Apache Road in Charlotte Hall. CASE# 49396-15
8/24/2015 BURGLARY: Unknown suspect(s) entered an unlocked shed on the 21000 block of Great Mills Lane in Great Mills and stole property. CASE# 49520-15
8/24/2015 BURGLARY: Unknown suspect(s) entered an unoccupied residence on the 46000 block of Gooseneck Drive in Lexington Park and stole property over a two week time period. CASE#49573-15
8/25/2015 PROPERTY DESTRUCTION: Unknown suspect(s) entered a yard in the 41000 block of Glenwood Place in Mechanicsville and caused property destruction to a vehicle. CASE#49640-15
8/25/2015 BURGLARY: Unknown suspect(s) stole an ATV from a shed located at Potomac Motor Speedway in Mechanicsville. CASE# 49759-15
8/25/2015 BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE: Unknown suspect(s) entered a vehicle located in the 30000 block of Charlotte Hall Road in Charlotte Hall and stole cash. CASE# 49790-15
8/25/2015 THEFT: Unknown suspect(s) stole a grounding plate from a cellphone tower located in the 23000 block of Budds Creek Road in Clements. CASE# 49821-15
8/25/2015 BURGLARY: Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a residence in the 23000 block of Meadow Road in Mechanicsville. Nothing appeared to be stolen. CASE# 49839-15
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 .