Melvin Tyrone Simmons, 23, of Indian Head. Booking photo.
CCSO INVESTIGATING SERIOUS CAR CRASH: On Oct. 31 at about 12:20 p.m., a Nissan Maxima was north on Crain Highway when the driver failed to stop for a steady red traffic signal and struck a dump truck and a passenger car turning left from Crain Highway onto Mattawoman Beantown Road. The Maxima then struck a curb and became disabled. The driver fled the scene on foot, and a female passenger, 19, from Indian Head, was ejected. An off-duty medic was in the area and stopped to render aid to the woman. CCSO officers assisted the medic. The woman was flown to a hospital by Maryland State Police Trooper 2 and was admitted with serious injuries. No one else was injured.
Prior to the crash, officers responded to a business at which the occupants of the car were suspected of stealing merchandise. After the theft, they fled in a red-colored car which was broadcast to officers. An officer responding to the theft spotted the suspects' vehicle near St. Patricks Drive and initiated a traffic stop. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer observed a female driver and two males in the car. He also saw evidence possibly linking the suspects to the theft. In addition, the officer detected an odor of marijuana. The backseat passenger, Deonte Charles Bush, 19, of Indian Head, exited the car and was found to be in possession of marijuana. While continuing to investigate, the female driver climbed over the front seat and got into the back of the car while the front seat passenger, a 23-year-old male, slid over behind the steering wheel and fled. Officers pursued the car, but stopped after a very short distance. The driver continued to flee north on Crain Highway for nearly a mile and a half before striking the truck.
Investigators have identified the driver as Melvin Tyrone Simmons, 23, of Indian Head. Simmons has two open warrants on file. He is 5'9", 155 pounds, and has numerous tattoos. Bush was charged, via a civil citation, with possession of marijuana. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Cpl. P. E. McPherson of the CCSO Traffic Operations Unit at (301) 609-3251.
FATAL MOTORCYLE CRASH: On October 30 at 8:30 p.m., officers responded to the 2800 block of Stavors Road in Waldorf for the report of a motorcycle crash. Investigation showed the operator, Teresa Judy Christensen, 49 of Waldorf, lost control of the motorcycle, left the roadway and struck a utility pole. She was flown by Maryland State Police Trooper 2 to a hospital and died on October 31. The Traffic Operations Unit is continuing the investigation.
Charles County Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest or indictment of a person responsible for a crime in Charles County. Anyone with information about an unsolved crime or the location of a fugitive may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, texting CHARLES + the tip to CRIMES (274637) or submitting tips online at tipsubmit.com. All individuals who provide tips through Crime Solvers will remain anonymous.
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