Calvert County Sheriff's Office: 2014

Monday, December 29, 2014

LIVESCAN FINGERPRINTING

The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office will be offering electronic fingerprinting (LIVESCAN) on Wednesdays ONLY beginning January 28, 2015. Information can be obtained and appointments requested through our website below or by calling 410-535-2800 X 2450.

www.calvertcountysheriff.us

www.co.cal.md.us

Click on Services then Sheriff’s Office

PAPER PRINTS

For those requiring paper prints, we will continue to offer paper prints on a walk-in basis on Mondays ONLY from 9 -11 am at the Sheriff’s Office located at 30 Church Street,

Prince Frederick, MD.

PLEASE NOTE: Paper print walk-ins are ONLY on Mondays 9-11 am and

LIVESCAN prints are ONLY on Wednesdays.

Monday, December 22, 2014

PRESS RELEASE FOR SHOP WITH A COP

On December 13^th law enforcement officers from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, Maryland Natural Resources Police, and the Prince George’s County Police Department volunteered their services and free time to assist 75 Calvert County children with the annual Shop with a Cop event. Children from all over the county ranging in ages from 6 to 12 were picked up and escorted to the Mama Lucia’s Restaurant in Prince Frederick where they were treated to donuts, milk, juice and breakfast pizza. The children had a special surprise visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus who handed out candy canes to every child who came and visited with them. Each child that visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus was also photographed courtesy of Christi Wilson and provided with a copy of the picture to give to their family members. After their scrumptious breakfast, they were given a full police escort with lights and sirens to the K-Mart in Prince Frederick where each child was given $150 to purchase a gift for themselves as well as their family members. Several of the children had to be reminded to get something for themselves as it is part of the program. Once they finished shopping they were escorted to the Prince Frederick VFD where the members generously opened their doors to the children and provided tables where they could wrap the purchased gifts. The children were treated to lunch provided by the Chic-Fil-A in California. Toys for Tots also set up several tables with one toy for every child in attendance. Calvert County is a wonderful place to live and raise children. Many people donated funds to the program all year long which has enabled us to be able to conduct a Christmas and Back to School campaign. Thank you to all involved.

PRESS RELEASE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION INVOLVING CALVERT DEPUTY

On November 11, 2014 at 5:52p.m., Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy First Class ( Dfc.) R. Kreps was involved in a serious motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Prince Frederick Boulevard and Allnut Court in Prince Frederick while on duty. Dfc. Kreps collided with a 2013 Toyota Corolla operated by Viral Dharamshibhai Patel and occupied by front seat passenger Jitewdra Mehta. The occupants of both vehicles sustained injuries as a result of the crash and all three were transported to Calvert Memorial Hospital. Mehta was later transferred to Medstar Washington Hospital Center to be treated.

Dfc. Kreps was attempting to locate a reported vehicle operated by a possibly impaired driver. Prior to the crash, the Calvert Control Center broadcast a lookout for the vehicle traveling northbound on Prince Frederick Boulevard approaching the intersection of West Dares Beach Road. Dfc. Kreps was attempting to get to the intersection of Prince Frederick Boulevard and West Dares Beach Road to locate the vehicle. As Dfc. Kreps approached the intersection of Allnut Court, the Toyota operated by Dharamshibhai was in the process of making a left turn and had entered the southbound lane of Prince Frederick Boulevard. Dfc. Kreps applied his brakes but was unable to avoid striking the Toyota in a “T-Bone” type collision.

Due to the severity of this crash, the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Team responded to conduct the investigation. A draft of the reconstruction report was submitted on December 17, 2014. Sergeant V. Bortchevsky and Corporal James Wahlgren worked together to examine the evidence that included the following: roadway evidence, photographs, vehicle damage profiles, a witness statement, vehicle evidence, Bosch Crash Data Retrieval reports from Dfc. Kreps’ agency vehicle and the Toyota, and Kreps’ in car video. In addition to reviewing the evidence, a night time visibility study was conducted in order to recreate the driver’s view from the perspectives of both drivers. Calculations were also taken to determine the speeds of both vehicles, pre and post impact.

The reconstruction investigation determined there were two contributing factors, speed and line of site. Dfc. Kreps was traveling at a high rate of speed attempting to locate the impaired driver when he approached the intersection of Allnut Court. The driver of the Toyota’s line of site to Dfc. Kreps’ vehicle was approximately 320 feet to the north viewing the southbound lanes of Prince Frederick Boulevard. Thus it was impossible for the operator of the Toyota to see Dfc. Kreps’ vehicle prior to making the left turn. As with every departmental crash, the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office of Professional Standards is conducting an internal investigation of this incident.

The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office places a heavy emphasis on the safe operation of agency vehicles. While Maryland Vehicle Law Section 21-106 exempts drivers of emergency vehicles from having to obey certain laws, emergency vehicles must be driven with the due regard for the safety of others at all times. We continue to conduct training on the operation of emergency vehicles and pursuit tactics. Deputies know they are held accountable for their driving and for the speeds at which they are traveling at all times, even more so during a pursuit and/or priority response to an emergency call for service. As an additional layer of risk management, supervisors are required to acknowledge and monitor all emergency response calls and adjust the deputy’s response as circumstances dictate.

PRESS RELEASE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE PURSUIT AND APPREHENSION

On December 19 at 12:14 p.m. Dfc. G. Gott initiated a traffic stop on a maroon, 2002 Ford Crown Victoria for not displaying a front registration plate. The vehicle was stopped on the St. Mary’s side of the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge. When Dfc. Gott approached the vehicle he observed a young child in a child safety seat on the rear passenger’s seat. Dfc. Gott also detected the odor of marijuana emitting from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Dfc. Gott asked the subject for his driver’s license and registration then asked the subject to exit the vehicle. The subject attempted to roll the window up but Dfc. Gott stopped the window from going up and reached into the vehicle to unlock the door. The operator of the vehicle hit his hand to stop him from unlocking the door. Dfc. Gott saw the operator reach for the shift selector and pulled his hand out of the vehicle. The vehicle then accelerated and began to flee south along Rt. 4. Dfc. Gott returned to his vehicle and began a vehicle pursuit.

The vehicle made a right turn onto Patuxent Boulevard to Clearbrook Lane where he left the roadway and drove across a field for approximately 1000 yards. The hood flew up on the suspect vehicle obstructing the suspect’s view through the windshield. The vehicle came to a stop approximately 15 feet prior to the edge of a cliff that dropped approximately 25 to 30 feet. The suspect then bailed out of the vehicle and grabbed an unknown item from the trunk and ran. The suspect left the child in the vehicle when he fled. It was initially thought the suspect had entered a nearby residence but it was later determined he fled into the marsh at the base of the cliff. Member s from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area and assisted with attempting to locate the suspect. The 2 year old child was removed from the vehicle by members of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Team. The child was turned over to the Department of Social Services who will make the appropriate disposition.

The suspect was taken into custody on the point at the end of Deer Crossing Lane approximately 95 minutes after he bailed from the vehicle. The suspect had skirted the edge of the marsh prior to being located on the other side of the creek from where he had bailed. When deputies began looking at the suspect’s vehicle they realized the vehicle was still in drive and that the reason the vehicle had stopped was because the emergency brake cable had broken which stopped the vehicle from moving. Located in the vehicle were four cell phones, a tablet, 8 bags of marijuana packaged for distribution and numerous other empty bags. The vehicle was stored by the Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect was identified as Frank Richard Taitano Jr., 22, of Lusby. Taitano is being charged with numerous traffic violations, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, child abuse, unattended child, assault on law enforcement officer, fleeing and eluding, hindering and failing to obey a lawful order. Taitano was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he awaited his appearance before a District Court Commissioner.

Frank Richard Taitano Jr., 22, of Lusby

Citizens with information on this or any criminal activity in Calvert County who wish to report it anonymously can now access the Calvert County Crime Solvers link through the Sheriff’s Office website.

Go to http://www.co.cal.md.us/residents/safety/law/sheriff/ and click on the Crime Solvers link to leave an anonymous tip on-line. Information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect could result in a $1,000 reward.

PRESS RELEASES FOR DECEMBER 22ND, 2014

During the week of December 15 through December 21 deputies of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to 1,521 calls for service throughout the community.

Citizens with information on the following crimes or any criminal activity in Calvert County who wish to report it anonymously can now access the Calvert County Crime Solvers link through the Sheriff’s Office website.

Theft of Mail Case #14-70737:

Someone removed a package containing jewelry that was delivered to a mailbox in the 12000 block of Settlers Trail in Lusby. DFC J. Denton is investigating the theft which occurred between December 10 and 17.

CDS Violation Case #14-70901:

On December 17 at 11:44 p.m. Dep. T. Mohler conducted a traffic stop on Rt. 4 northbound at Auto Drive in Prince Frederick, on a vehicle suspected of being driven by an impaired operator. He made contact with the driver, Joshua Paul Porter, 39, of North Beach. Porter was found to possibly be under the influence of a narcotic. Porter was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and was charged with the possession of a syringe. Porter was also cited with numerous traffic violations, including driving on a suspended license and driving while impaired by drugs.

Joshua Paul Porter, 39, of North Beach

Destruction of Property Case #14-71193:

Unknown suspect(s) caused $800 in damage when they scratched the paint on a rental vehicle parked outside a home in the 6200 block of Solomons Island Road in Huntingtown. DFC A. Woodford is investigating the damage that occurred between December 18 and 19.

Theft Case #14-71245:

On December 19 at 7:52 p.m. DFC J. Hardesty responded to the Prince Frederick Walmart for the report of a theft in progress. Hardesty made contact with the loss prevention manager who advised he saw the suspect stealing items from the store. Hardesty contacted the suspect, Michael Joseph Bellini, 49, of Hughesville, who was outside the store at his vehicle being detained by Dep. C. Ward. Bellini was in possession of stolen clothing and suspected drugs, as well as a concealed weapon; a pool cue. He was arrested and charged with theft less than $100, having a concealed dangerous weapon, and CDS possession; Alprazolam.

Michael Joseph Bellini, 49, of Hughesville

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

PRESS RELEASES FOR DECEMBER 15TH, 2014

During the week of December 8 through December 14 deputies of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to 1,503 calls for service throughout the community.

Go to http://www.co.cal.md.us/residents/safety/law/sheriff/ and click on the Crime Solvers link to leave an anonymous tip on-line. Information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect could result in a $1,000 reward.

Burglary Case #14-68830:

Unknown suspect(s) entered a building under construction at 3995 Old Town Road in Huntingtown between December 6 and 8. A Hilti hammer drill was stolen and $500 in damage was done. DFC R. Wilson is investigating.

Theft from Vehicle Case #14-69023:

A homeowner in the 8000 block of Portland Court in Owings reported to Dep. T. Mohler that on December 8 at approximately 1:45 a.m. he was in his garage when he looked out the window and saw someone inside his vehicle that was parked in his driveway. When he started to open the garage door, the suspect fled. Nothing was stolen from inside the vehicle, which had been unlocked. Mohler canvassed the neighborhood and noticed an interior light on in a vehicle parked outside a neighboring home on Arbor Way. Mohler made contact with the owner who advised nothing appeared to be missing.

Theft from Vehicle Case #14-69043:

A victim in the 3900 block of Sixes Road in Prince Frederick reported to DFC R. Kreps that between December 8 and 9, someone entered two of his unlocked vehicles and stole approximately $40. The investigation continues.

Theft from Vehicle Case #14-69129:

A second victim on Sixes Road reported to Dep. S. Moran that she had items stolen from inside her unlocked vehicle between December 8 and 9 also.

Theft from Vehicle Case #14-69125:

DFC J. Livingston is investigating the theft of $50 worth of items out of an unlocked vehicle parked outside a home in the 100 block of Chesapeake Avenue in Prince Frederick. The theft occurred between December 7 and 8.

Theft from Vehicle Case #14-69131:

Another victim on Chesapeake Avenue reported to Dep. S. Moran that during the same timeframe, someone entered two of her vehicles, stealing 2 navigation systems, earphones and a purse. The navigation systems were found two days later by a citizen walking her dog on a nearby road. They were returned to the victim. The investigation is continuing.

Theft from Vehicle Case #14-69143:

Someone rummaged through an unlocked vehicle but did not steal anything while the vehicle was parked outside a home in the 1900 block of Harvest Grove Lane in Prince Frederick between December 7 and 9. Several other vehicles in the driveway had been locked and were not entered. Dep. S. Moran investigates.

Burglary Case #14-69261:

DFC M. Quinn is investigating the theft of a 4-wheeler from a shed behind the victim’s residence in the 700 block of Lower Marlboro Road in Huntingtown between December 8 and 10. The 4-wheeler is a Kawasaki KFX 450 R, lime green and black. The investigation continues.

Theft from Vehicle Case #14-69365:

Several items were stolen from an unlocked vehicle in the 4600 block of Cummins Avenue in Prince Frederick on December 7 between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. A Tom-Tom GPS unit was stolen and later found by a citizen walking along a nearby road. The investigation is continuing by Dep. J. Buck.

CDS Violation Case #14-69508:

On December 11 at 11:43 a.m. Dep. G. Gott conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Md. Rt. 4 and Patuxent Point Parkway in Solomons. He made contact with the driver, identified as Juliette Elizabeth Ledman, 35, of Lusby. Ledman arrested and charged with driving while suspended and two counts of drug possession for Alprazolam and Hydrocodone and paraphernalia possession, a modified straw.

Juliette Elizabeth Ledman, 35, of Lusby

Friday, December 12, 2014

MARYLAND REMEMBERS

On Thursday, December 11, 2014, members of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office attended the 11^th Annual Maryland Remembers event. This event memorializes those people who lost their lives to impaired drivers in the state of Maryland throughout the years. An average of 175 people are killed annually in Maryland by impaired drivers. Many names were read at the start of the event, including a 2 year old child who was killed by an impaired driver. There were several guest speakers, including former Calvert County Commissioner and current Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation, Wilson H. Parran.

This event is a reminder why law enforcement agencies are aggressively enforcing traffic laws and taking impaired drivers off of the road. The Maryland MVA has created and launched an app called ENDUI. The ENDUI app is an educational tool kit created to give impaired driving safety information, so you can make good choices when out drinking. The ENDUI app is available on iTunes and Google Play.

Please remember this holiday season and every day of the year - #DriveSober or get pulled over.

Former Calvert County Commissioner and current Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation, Wilson H. Parran

CALVERT'S NEWEST CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS! CONGRATULATIONS!

The Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy held its graduation ceremony on Tuesday, December 9 for the 51st class of Correctional Officers for the tri-county area. The Calvert County Detention Center graduated three correctional officers with Trevon Johnson receiving the physical fitness and academic achievement awards. Pictured from left to right, back row, are Sheriff Mike Evans, Captain Kevin Cross, Lt. Paul Norris, and Major T. D. Reece, and front row are C.O.1 Travin Johnson, Vanessa Anaya-Hernandez, and John Ashley.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

PRESS RELEASES FOR DECEMBER 8TH, 2014

During the week of December 1 through December 7 deputies of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to 1,593 calls for service throughout the community.

Theft Case #14-67357:

An outside air conditioning unit was stolen from a home in the 700 block of Bowie Shop Road in Huntingtown. It is unknown when the theft occurred. The unit is valued at $3,500. DFC A. Woodford is handling the investigation.

Destruction of Property Case #14-67371:

Sometime between 3:00 p.m. on November 30 and 5:15 p.m. on December 1, someone spray painted a line down the side of a vehicle parked in the 8900 block of Frederick Avenue in North Beach causing $2,000 in damage. DFC C. Fox is investigating.

CDS Violation Case #14-67493:

On December 2 at 9:02 a.m. after stopping a vehicle for traveling at a rate above the posted speed limit on Md. Rt. 4 northbound and Coster Road in Lusby, Dep. G. Gott found the driver, Ernest C. Groves, 62, of Lusby, to be in possession of suspected drugs. Groves was arrested and charged with possession of Oxycodone and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ernest C. Groves, 62, of Lusby

CDS Violation Case #14-67599:

On December 2 at 7:50 p.m. Dep. B. Pounsberry conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on southbound Md. Rt. 4 near White Sands Drive in Lusby. He made contact with the driver, later identified as Paula M. Brady, 46, of Leonardtown. Brady was found to be in possession of Oxycodone and was arrested and charged. Brady was also charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Paula M. Brady, 46, of Leonardtown

Destruction of Property Case #14-67622:

On December 2 at 10:50 p.m. DFC R. Weems responded to a home in the 11800 block of Clifton Drive in Lusby for the report of damaged property. The homeowner pointed out that her window had just been shot with what may have been a small bullet. The investigation is ongoing.

Destruction of Property, Cases #14-67686, 67721, 67751, 67759, and 67907:

Dep. T. Buckler is investigating several incidents where homes, sheds, fences and street signs were spray painted with graffiti in the areas of 3^rd Street, 6^th Street and 7^th Street in North Beach and F Street and 28^th Street in Chesapeake Beach. They occurred between December 2 and 4. The investigation continues.

Theft Case #14-67770:

A package that had been delivered to a home in the 1600 block of Calvert Avenue in St. Leonard on December 1 at 1:45 p.m. was stolen between that time and 4:30 p.m. Dep. D. Naughton is investigating.

Destruction of Property Case #14-67982:

Cpl. T. Phelps is investigating a shed that was spray painted on December 4 between 4:30 a.m. and 3:50 p.m. in the 3900 block of 7th Street in North Beach.

Destruction of Property Case #14-68197:

A citizen called to report spray-painted graffiti on the roadway on 4th Street in North Beach between Cincinnati and Chicago Avenues. It was discovered around 5:00 p.m. on December 3. Dep. W. Beisel is investigating.

Theft from Vehicle Case #14-68270:

On December 5 at about 4:50 a.m. someone entered an unlocked vehicle parked outside a home in the 4100 block of Patuxent Court in Dunkirk and stole tools. Dep. B. Schaefer is investigating.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

PRESS RELEASE FOR FATAL MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

On December 4, 2014 at approximately 5:35 p.m. members of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau and Crash Reconstruction Team responded to the area of 6200 North Solomons Island Road (MD Route 2-4), Sunderland, Maryland for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2001 Dodge Dakota was traveling southbound on MD Route 2-4 (North Solomons Island Road) in the area of the China King Restaurant when a 2014 Ford F-150 entered the southbound lanes of MD Route 2-4 in an attempt to make a U-turn. The 2001 Dodge struck the Ford on the right rear axle causing both vehicles to travel to uncontrolled final rest on the southbound shoulder of MD Route 2-4.

The 2014 Ford F-150 was operated by Ryan M. Douglas, a 22 year old male of Waldorf, who sustained minor injuries. The vehicle was also occupied by a front seat passenger Jonathan M. Douglas, a 23 year old of Waldorf, who sustained minor injuries. Both occupants of the F-150 were transported to Calvert Memorial Hospital, where they were treated for their injuries and released.

The 2001 Dodge Dakota was operated by Joseph David Fernandes, a 28 year old male of Chesapeake Beach. Fernandes sustained multiple injuries and was transported to Calvert Memorial Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. An examination of the 2001 Dodge Dakota revealed that Fernandes was not wearing his seatbelt, which contributed to the extensive injuries sustained by him during the collision. Driver error and failure to yield the right of way by Douglas are major contributing factors to this collision.

Cpl. T. Phelps of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Crash Reconstruction Team is conducting the investigation into the events leading up to the collision. Anyone with additional information regarding the incident is asked to contact Cpl. T. Phelps of CRT at 410-535-2800 or via e-mail at phelpsts@co.cal.md.us .

Monday, December 1, 2014

PRESS RELEASES FOR DECEMBER 1ST, 2014

During the week of November 24 through November 30 deputies of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to 1,143 calls for service throughout the community.

Burglary Case #14-63871:

On November 13 at 2:00 p.m. a citizen called police to report that a neighbor’s home in the 2800 block of Tipperary Lane in Chesapeake Beach was being burglarized. Units from the Sheriff’s Office responded. The citizen advised that they had made contact with a young black male in their driveway with a duffle bag who advised he was helping someone move out of his house, he then ran. A subject was located a short distance away and was questioned by deputies and then released. A Glock handgun, cash, and a black IPad, along with some jewelry, were stolen from the home. Det. N. DeFelice of the Criminal Investigations Bureau is investigating.

Theft from Vehicle Case #14-64377:

A resident in the 8900 block of St. Andrews Drive in Chesapeake Beach reported to DFC C. Johnson that sometime overnight between November 15 and 16 someone stole numerous tools valued at over $1800 from two vehicles parked in his driveway. Both vehicles had been left unlocked. The investigation is continuing.

Burglary Case #14-65700

B. Pounsberry is investigating a burglary that occurred in the 400 block of Lake Drive in Lusby between November 20 and 22. Someone entered two sheds behind the home and multiple items were stolen. Two 5 gallon gas tanks, DeWalt drill, table saw and two tire ramps were taken. The investigation continues.

CDS Violation Case #14-66229:

On November 24 at 10:38 p.m. Dep. N. Gilmore responded to a home in the 12400 block of Red Rock Court in Lusby for the report of a loud party and a subject on the scene who had possible outstanding warrants. After arriving, Dep. Gilmore observed a woman fitting the description of the wanted subject in the driveway. The woman was advised to stop and answer questions; however, she resisted and then gave a false name. She was subdued and determined to be Pamela Roseann Lee Miller, 24, of Laurel. Miller was found to be in possession of suspected drugs and was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, two counts of obstructing and hindering and resisting arrest. Miller was served with four outstanding arrest warrants.

Pamela Roseann Lee Miller, 24, of Laurel

Destruction of Property Case #14-66273:

Someone spray painted the side of a vehicle parked outside a home in the 4700 block of St. Leonard Road in St. Leonard between 2:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. on November 25. Dep. W. Durner is investigating.

Destruction of Property Case #14-66274:

Unknown suspect(s) spray painted the back side of the St. Leonard Fastop Convenience Store in the early morning hours of November 25. A nearby county-owned water tower was also spray painted. Dep. W. Durner is investigating.

Theft Case #14-66337:

On November 25 at 5:51 p.m. DFC P. Aurich responded to the Dunkirk Safeway for the report of a theft. A store employee advised he observed a subject in the seafood freezer loading up a flat rack with seafood and exit a back door of the store. When the employee confronted the male subject, he left the rack of seafood and ran over to the gas pumps. DFC Aurich made contact with the subject, identified as Kevin Nathaniel Franklin, 55, of Ft. Washington, and he was arrested and charged with theft over $1,000 and destruction of property.

Kevin Nathaniel Franklin, 55, of Ft. Washington

Theft of Vehicle Case #14-66828:

DFC Y. Bortchevsky is investigating the theft of a purple 1990 Nissan 300 ZX 2 door vehicle, valued at $8,000, from the driveway of a home in the 300 block of Clubhouse Drive in Lusby. The victim advised that the vehicle had been locked with its windows rolled up. The theft occurred sometime between October 29 and November 28.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

PRESS RELEASES FOR NOVEMBER 24TH, 2014

During the week of November 17 through November 23 deputies of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to 1,516 calls for service throughout the community.

CDS Violation Case #14-65000:

On November 18 at 11:24 P.M. Dep. C. Idol responded to 98 Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick to assist another officer on a traffic stop. He made contact with the driver of a vehicle who was found to be in possession of a suspected schedule I synthetic drug, K2/Spice, packaged as Scooby Snax. There were several empty packages of blue and pink colored Scooby Snax. A partially smoked cigarette containing the suspected synthetic drug was also confiscated. The driver, Philipp Edwin Roy, 20, of Lusby, was arrested and charged with CDS: possession not marijuana and CDS: possession of paraphernalia.

Philipp Edwin Roy, 20, of Lusby

CDS Violation Case #14-65063:

DFC R. Cress was stopped a traffic light on Md. Rt. 4 north and Chaneyville Road in Owings on November 19 at 9:49 a.m. Operating police equipment on his vehicle, he was alerted that a nearby vehicle’s registered owner’s license was suspended or revoked. DFC Cress then conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle near Yellow Bank Road and contacted the driver, identified as Sharita D. Gross, 32, of Lexington Park. He detected the smell of fresh marijuana. Gross was subsequently arrested and charged with driving on a suspended and revoked license, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana in the amount of at least 10 grams, and possession of paraphernalia; plastic baggies.

Sharita D. Gross, 32, of Lexington Park

Theft from Vehicle Case #14-65163:

Sometime between November 17 and 19, a Remington Express 12 gauge shotgun was stolen from inside a vehicle. It is unknown when and where this occurred but there is no damage to the vehicle to indicate that it had been locked at the time of the theft. Dep. T. Buckler is investigating.

Theft Case #14-65219:

Overnight between November 19 and 20, someone stole a 4x8 foot utility trailer that had been parked behind a residence in the 3900 block of 5^th Street in North Beach. DFC C. Johnson is investigating.

Theft from Vehicle Case #14-65349:

Someone stole a can of pepper spray from inside an unlocked vehicle at a home in the 4500 block of Sixes Road in Prince Frederick. DFC J. Denton is investigating the theft that occurred sometime between November 16 and 20.

Theft Case #14-65400:

An employee at the Chesapeake Beach Fastop on Bayside Road advised Dep. T. Buckler that $200 in cash was stolen from her purse while she was working at the store between November 19 at 9:30 p.m. and November 20 at 7:30 a.m. The investigation continues.

Destruction of Property Case #14-65518:

A vehicle parked in the garage of the Oyster Bay Place Community in Dowell sustained a large scratch on each of the vehicle’s doors sometime between November 20 and 21. DFC J. Bell is investigating.

Theft Case #14-65549:

DFC J. Lord is investigating the theft of a Stihl chainsaw from Dunkirk Hardware located on Town Center Boulevard in Dunkirk. A store employee advised that a Hispanic male entered the store on November 21 at 5:55 p.m., picked up the chainsaw and fled the store without paying. The male left the area in a red pick-up truck. The chainsaw is described as being white and orange in color and model number MS211C valued at $299.

Friday, November 21, 2014

CALVERT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE PAYS RESPECT TO FORMER ST. MARY'S COUNTY SHERIFF WAYNE L. PETTIT

Sheriff Evans and the Calvert County Sheriff's Office would like to pay our respects and offer our condolences to the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office for the loss of their former sheriff, Sheriff Wayne L. Pettit. Rest In Peace, Sheriff Pettit and thank you for your service to the citizens of St. Mary's County and the State of Maryland.

BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING

Let’s say you go to a holiday party, you stay a few hours and have a few drinks. When it’s time to go, you think to yourself, “I’m fine to drive. I’ve only had a few drinks, and I barely feel buzzed.” You get in your car and drive toward home. This act places you at risk of facing the consequences of drunk driving. Buzzed driving places you and others on the road in danger of a crash; or worse, death. Designate a sober driver.

Unfortunately, this scenario is all too realistic. Many people wrongly believe there’s a magic number of drinks or hours that determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). But it’s different for every person. Many factors go into the effect alcohol has on your body. Everywhere in our country, it’s illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher. A major misconception is that you have to be stumbling around drunk to be over that limit. For many people, it doesn’t take much alcohol to be too impaired for driving.

Drivers convicted of DUI have many excuses, but the reality they all have in common is this: they didn’t plan ahead. Designating a sober driver ahead of time is the only fool-proof way to avoid the dangers of drunk driving. If you wait until you’ve been drinking to gauge your level of impairment, it’s already too late. You might tell yourself and others that you’re “okay to drive” when you’re not. Even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time enough to cause you to overestimate your own abilities as a driver.

So next time you’re going to drink, do us all a favor and make a plan. Some simple ideas: leave your keys at home or give them to a friend; designate a sober driver who isn’t drinking at all; tell others your intentions about driving and stick to the plan; and most importantly—once you’ve had anything to drink, do not drive. Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving, so make the choice: are you drinking tonight or are you driving?

Drunk driving is never the right choice, no matter what. Even if you didn’t plan ahead, there’s always another way home. You could call a friend or family member to pick you up, use public transportation, or call a taxi. And if you think you don’t have money for a cab or you’re worried about leaving your car somewhere overnight, think about the alternative: a DUI costs about $10,000.

Please remember to stay safe by driving sober or by designating a sober driver.

YOU CHOOSE: DRINK OR DRIVE

Calvert County, MD—The holiday season is right around the corner. As Americans prepare for festivities with family and friends, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants to remind all drivers that it’s dangerous to drive after drinking. You have to choose your role before drinking begins: will you drink or will you drive? Remember, even if you only have a little bit to drink and think you’re “okay to drive,” you could still be over the legal limit, because Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

Sheriff Mike Evans explained the slogan: “A lot of folks think they know their own limits. They think that if they’re just a little ‘buzzed,’ then they’re still good to drive. “Time and again, drivers who may have only had a couple of drinks put themselves and others at serious risk,” he added. “Driving with any alcohol in your system can be dangerous.”

In every state in the country, it’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher. And for some people, it doesn’t take much to reach that level. “We really want all drivers to understand that you don’t have to be falling-down drunk to be too impaired to drive,” said Sheriff Evans. That’s why the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office is working with NHTSA to spread the message: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

This anti-drunk-driving campaign aims to inform all Americans about the dangers of driving after drinking—even after drinking just a little. Drunk driving has become a terrible killer on our nation’s roads. Every year, more than 10,322 people are killed by drunk drivers in America. This time of year is especially dangerous due to holiday celebrations and frequent parties. In December 2012 alone, there were 830 people killed in crashes involving at least one drunk driver or motorcycle operator. On average, a third (31%) of all crash fatalities in America involves drunk driving.

So this holiday season, NHTSA urges you to plan ahead: designate a sober driver. If you plan on drinking at all, don’t plan on driving. Don’t just assume that you’ll know whether you can safely drive or not at the end of the night.

In Calvert, Sheriff Evans urges drivers, please remember these tips to avoid a DUI and keep our roads safe:

· Even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time and increase the risk of getting arrested for driving drunk or having a crash.

· If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving. Plan ahead; designate a sober driver before the party begins.

· When you know you’ll be drinking, leave your keys at home or give them to someone else.

· If you have been drinking, do not drive—even a short distance. Call a taxi, phone a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.

Remember, it is never okay to drive after drinking. Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

ATTEMPTED ROBBERY AT DUNKIRK BP GAS STATION

On November 19 at approximately 11:21 p.m. units from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the BP Gas Station and Shop, located on Md. Route 260 just prior to Md. Route 4 in Dunkirk, for the report of an attempted robbery.

Upon arrival units learned that two suspects who appear to male, attempted to gain entry into the store, which was open for business. Suspect number one is described as a 5’7” to 5’9” male, dressed in a Santa suit with a full wig and beard. Suspect number two is described as a 5’11” to 6’01” male wearing all black or dark clothing, including a mask, and is armed with what appears to be an AK-47 style assault rifle. It is unknown if the firearm is real or a replica style toy. As the suspects approached the door, the suspect dressed in Santa attire attempted to open it but was unable to do so because it was locked. The suspects then fled on foot.

Det. H. Rich of the Criminal Investigations Bureau was on the scene and has assumed the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Rich at 410-535-1600 extension 2765.

Citizens with information on this crime or any criminal activity in Calvert County who wish to report it anonymously can now access the Calvert County Crime Solvers link through the Sheriff’s Office website. Go to http://www.co.cal.md.us/residents/safety/law/sheriff/ and click on the Crime Solvers link to leave an anonymous tip on-line. Information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect could result in a $1,000 reward.

PRESS RELEASES FOR NOVEMBER 20TH, 2014

During the week of November 10 through November 16 deputies of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to 1,370 calls for service throughout the community.

Theft from Vehicle Case #14-63672:

A woman reported to Dep. C. Idol that on November 12 during the daytime hours she parked her vehicle at the College of Southern Maryland Prince Frederick Campus. She does not remember if she locked the vehicle. When she returned home, she realized that her white Apple laptop, valued at $500, was missing.

Burglary Case #14-63966:

A homeowner in the 800 block of Warner Drive in Huntingtown reported to DFC R. Cress that on November 14 at about 4:17 a.m. she saw an unidentified man at the bottom of the garage steps in her home. The man turned and fled. Nothing was taken. It appears entry was made through an unlocked door.

Theft Case #14-64067:

Unknown suspect(s) stole an external residential air conditioning/heat pump unit from a home in the 600 block of Marley Run in Huntingtown. It is unknown when the theft occurred. Dep. J. Migliaccio is investigating.

Burglary Case #14-64199:

The neighbor of a home in the 3100 block of Loring Drive in Huntingtown advised DFC J. Livingston that on November 15 at approximately 8:00 p.m. he observed two subjects enter the home which is currently unoccupied. He approached the two subjects who then left the scene. The case is currently under investigation.

Theft Case #14-64215:

DFC J. Livingston charged Steven Ralph Hill, 48, of Prince Frederick, with theft less than $1,000 when Hill was caught stealing over $150 worth of food items from the Prince Frederick Giant. A citizen called police on November 15 around noon after observing Hill leave the store with the items and not stop to pay then place the items in his vehicle.

Steven Ralph Hill, 48, of Prince Frederick

Destruction of Property Case #14-64308:

A woman reported to DFC R. Kreps that on November 15 at 10:00 p.m. she was traveling on M.I. Bowen Road in Prince Frederick in her vehicle and passed an oncoming vehicle. Someone inside the oncoming car threw an egg at her windshield. There was no damage done.

Monday, November 17, 2014

PRESS RELEASE FOR YOUNG GIRL BITTEN BY DOG

On November 16 at approximately 4:35 p.m. the Calvert County Control Center received a 911 call in reference to hearing gunshots and people screaming. A second phone call was received from a man who stated that he had shot a dog that was attacking his granddaughter in the 700 block of White Sands Drive in Lusby. A seven year old girl was bitten in the face/neck area by a pit-bull type dog and was taken to Calvert Memorial Hospital for treatment. One pit-bull type dog, blue with a white chest, was transported to the Mid-Atlantic Animal Specialty Hospital (MASH) on Old Town Road in Huntingtown where he succumbed to his injuries. Animal Control Officer Sheckels is still investigating this bite incident and is still attempting to locate the owner(s) for the deceased dog. The second dog, which ran from the area, is described as a pit-bull type breed that is white with either brown or black spots.

If anyone has any information on the identity of the dogs’ owner(s) or may have seen the two described dogs prior to or after the incident are asked to contact the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office at 410-535-2800.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

ON BEHALF OF SHERIFF EVANS AND EVERYONE AT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF OUR VETERANS WHO SERVED OUR COUNTRY AT HOME AND ABROAD. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

Monday, November 10, 2014

PRESS RELEASES FOR NOVEMBER 10TH, 2014

During the week of November 3 through November 9 deputies of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to 1,475 calls for service throughout the community.

Destruction of Property Case #14-62228:

Someone punctured the two passenger side tires of a vehicle parked in the driveway of a home in the 900 block of Childress Lane in Lusby overnight between November 6 and 7. Dep. J. Migliaccio is investigating.

Theft Case #14-62316:

A blue and silver boy’s mountain bike valued at $80 was stolen from the back yard of a home in the 12400 block of Catalina Drive in Lusby on November 6. Someone saw an unidentified male riding the bike away from the home in the direction of North Catalina Drive. Dep. T. Holt is continuing the investigation.

CDS Violation Case #14-62553:

On November 7 at 9:53 p.m. Dep. M. Trigg responded to the Super 8 Motel in Prince Frederick for the report of suspected drug activity. A hotel employee advised Trigg that they could smell the odor of marijuana coming from one of the hotel rooms. Dep. Trigg knocked on the door and was allowed entry. Trigg detected a strong odor of marijuana and cigarette smoke. The room occupant, DaShawna R. Jones, 23, of Huntingtown, was found to be in possession of suspected drug paraphernalia and was charged with the same.

DaShawna R. Jones, 23, of Huntingtown