SHERIFF'S OFFICE ADDS COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LIAISON

The holidays can be a particularly stressful time for individuals at risk for mental health issues. Parties, large family gatherings, and other seasonal events can exacerbate raw feelings and create negative situations. If feelings of discontent are combined with alcohol or drugs used to self-medicate, a hostile environment may result.

As first responders to all too many heart-wrenching scenarios, the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office is well aware that the holidays provide not only opportunities for increased crime but also an increase in calls related to people experiencing mental health crises. For this reason, Sheriff Mike Evans has partnered with the Southern Maryland Community Network's Community Behavioral Liaison Program (CBHL), adding a mental health component to his maximum deployment operations. Behavioral Health Liaison Susan Onofrio is a clinician who provides access to community resources for those experiencing mental health crises in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties, and is prepared to respond to calls when a mental health crisis is suspected.

“With saturation patrols to capture drunk drivers and enhanced robbery patrols, we strategically deploy our resources during the holiday season to provide a safe holiday experience for everyone in the community. In addition to these concerns, we are also prepared for those who might be experiencing a mental health crisis,” says Sheriff Mike Evans. “Our officers have been undergoing Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training in order to learn to recognize and respond appropriately to presenting signs of mental illness, and we have partnered with a Behavioral Health Liaison to offer on-scene resources and alternatives to arrest for these individuals.”

The benefits of the partnership between the Sheriff's Office and the CBHL are many.  While deputies arranged for the person in crisis to be transported to Calvert Memorial Hospital under an emergency petition, the family is provided with a list of resources that could be utilized during this time of crisis and beyond.

Patrice Duperval, LCSW-C, Director of Case Management from the Southern Maryland Community Network comments, “These calls are an example of a situation where the Liaison is able to be the calm after the storm,” providing a benefit from on-going services.”

Aware that the deputies regularly have interactions with individuals suffering from mental health crises, the Liaison explained how she can assist law enforcement in providing these individuals and their families with the care and resources they need. Such assistance can ultimately reduce recidivism on the part of these individuals, lowering repeat 911 calls, and increasing safety for individuals, officers, and the community. 

The CIT-trained deputies are able to use the skills they had learned to identify those exhibiting signs of a mental illness, and then employ those skills to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations. From there, the Liaison supplies the individual involved with links to appropriate community resources and referrals for proper treatment, including personalized safety planning.

Captain David Payne, says, “As deputies, we see first-hand the value of this partnership. Someone knowledgeable outside of the department can come in and tell those suffering about available resources, without having to “police” or arrest anyone. Traditionally, such individuals would soon be back in the community, experiencing the same issues. When appropriate, this collaboration between our office with the Behavioral Health Liaison gives officers a valuable option to individuals in mental health crisis outside of interactions with the Justice System and Emergency Rooms.

Questions about the program should be directed to Dfc. Nick DeFelice at 410-535-2800. 

Sheriff Evans and Susan Onofrio

PRESS RELEASES FOR DECEMBER 26TH, 2016

During the week of December 19 through December 25 deputies of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to 1,121 calls for service throughout the community. 

Burglary Case # 16-71558:

On December 19, 2016, Deputy B. Boerum responded to Sixes Road, in Prince Frederick, for the report of a burglary.  The complainant explained that someone had unplugged the heater to one of their greenhouses, killing all of the plants inside.  He advised he last checked to make sure the heaters were turned on and the greenhouse doors were shut on December 18, at approximately 3:30pm.  Upon entering the greenhouse at 2:20pm, he discovered someone had entered the greenhouse and intentionally disconnected the heater.  He advised there was no damage to the outside door of the greenhouse and that the door did not have a lock.

Burglary Case #16-71468:

On December 19, 2016, Deputy B. Boerum responded to a burglary call on Calvert Beach Road, in Prince Frederick.  Upon arrival the complainant explained they had heard a noise at their back gate and when they looked outside, they witnessed two (2) males, wearing hoodie jackets, enter their backyard.  The males attempted to open the locked back door, while the homeowner was inside the home.  They left the area when they were not able to make entry.  There was no damage to the residence; and at this time no items appear to have been stolen.

CDS Violation Case #16-72453:

On December 24, 2016, at approximately 12:30pm, Dfc. J. Livingston responded to a hit and run accident in the area of Bowie Shop Road/MD Rt. 4.  Prior to his arrival Deputy N. Barger advised him that witnesses to the accident observed the suspect vehicle (Ford truck with VA tags) turn down Bowie Shop Road.  Deputy Livingston activated his emergency lights when he observed a truck matching the description and made contact with the driver, Angela Nicholson, 27, of Friendship, MD.  In clear view he could see an exposed syringe on the center console, along with a small plastic baggie of suspected CDS.   He also observed a small silver pill holder with four (4) pills inside.  She was transported to the Detention Center and charged with CDS: Possession of Heroin and CDS: Possession of a Dangerous Nonnarcotic drug (Xanax).

Angela Nicholson, 27, of Friendship, MD

CDS Violation Case #16-72379:

On December 23, 2016, at approximately 8:20pm, Dfc. P. Wood was dispatched to the 7-11 on Hallowing Point Road, in Prince Frederick, for a check welfare call.  Employees explained that they placed the call because they were concerned for a female who had been in the bathroom for a couple of hours and kept opening and closing the door.  Deputy Wood knocked on the door and made contact with Evie Miller, 36, of Lusby.  Miller was coherent but her answers did not match up with the amount of time she had spent in the bathroom.  A warrant and driving status check were done and he was informed her privilege to drive was suspended.  When asked she admitted to having driven herself to the 7-11.  At that time he conducted a lawful check of her purse and found a plastic wet wipes container with four (4) used hypodermic needles, two (2) metal spoons with residue on them, a metal tin containing a white paper fold with white powder and several pills inside.  She was transported to the Detention Center and charged with CDS: Possession of Heroin, CDS: Possess Dangerous Nonnarcotic drugs (Clonazepam, Adderall), Possession of Paraphernalia (metal spoon) and CDS: Administer Equipment Possession/Distribute (hypodermic needles).

Evie Miller, 36, of Lusby

Disorderly Conduct Case #16-72104:

On December 22, 2016, Deputy N. Buckler was called to the Bank of America on Commerce Lane, in Prince Frederick, for a disorderly subject.  He arrived with Deputy A. Ostazeski and they made contact with the subject, Jay Fulton, 55, of St. Leonard, who stated he was trying to obtain a bank card to remove his $1.3 trillion from the bank.  There were multiple patrons standing in line at the bank who heard Mr. Fulton repeatedly yelling profane language, refusing to step out of the teller line and referencing Satan.  When he was finally coaxed to step outside, he requested to urinate on the sidewalk and this comment gained the attention of a patron  walking into the bank.  Mr. Fulton was told it was time to leave but would not cooperate.  At this time he was placed under arrest for Disorderly Conduct and issued a “no trespass” warning for the Bank of America.

Jay Fulton, 55, of St. Leonard

Theft Case #16-72069:

On December 22, 2016, Dfc. A. Ostazeski responded to Thunderbird Drive, in Lusby, for the report of a theft.  The complainant stated items had been stolen from their vehicle while it was parked in their driveway overnight.  They had last checked on their car around 9:00pm on the 21^st, and upon returning to the vehicle at 5:15am that morning, it was obvious that items from the center console had been strewn around the vehicle and out of place.  A heavy weight black jacket was also stolen (the right chest has cursive embroidered letters – the left chest has “Patuxent High School Football” along with a panther paw print.

Theft Case #16-72463:

On December 24, 2016, Deputy C. Callison was dispatched to the Good Day Market on Dares Beach Road, in Prince Frederick, for the report of a theft.  An employee reported an unidentified black male entered his lottery numbers to be printed on the lottery machine and when the tickets printed, he left the store with three (3) Maryland Lottery tickets he did not pay for.

Theft Case #16-72450:

On December 24, 2016, Deputy B. Boerum responded to Pine Blvd, in Lusby, for the report of a theft.  Upon arrival the complainant advised someone stole a package, containing a Notary kit, along with an extra Notary stamp, that was confirmed to have been delivered.  A delivery confirmation from UPS was sent to the victim’s cellular telephone indicating it was delivered on December 21^st at 12:45pm.

Theft Case #16-72328:

On December 23, 2016, at approximately 1:45pm, Dfc. T. Holt responded to Winnebago Lane, in Lusby, for a report of a theft from vehicle.  The victim stated someone had entered their unlocked vehicle and stole a change holder from the vehicle sometime after 6:00pm the night before. 

Theft Case #16-71729:

On December 20, 2016, Cpl. J. Harms was dispatched to Sequoia Way, in Prince Frederick, for a theft.  The complainant advised that two (2) packages were shipped to their residence on December 15^th and both were stolen.  One package arrived at 11:00am and contained clothing; the second package arrived at 1:00pm and contained miscellaneous home goods.

If you know who committed these crimes or any other criminal activity in Calvert County, you can report it anonymously online by clicking the Crime Solvers link at www.CalvertCountySheriff.us  or by calling 410-535-2800.

Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest or indictment of a person involved in criminal activity.

PRESS RELEASES FOR DECEMBER 19TH, 2016

During the week of December 12 through December 18 deputies of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to 1,321 calls for service throughout the community. 

Burglary Case # 16-71008:

On December 16, 2016, Dfc. A. Ostazeski was dispatched to HG Trueman Road, in Lusby, for the report of a burglary.  The victim stated the front door of their home had been forced open, the home was ransacked and several items were stolen.  Confirmed missing items are:  assorted pieces of jewelry, musical instruments and 50 feet of copper pipe ripped out of the home.  This crime took place sometime between the end of November - December 16.

CDS Violation Case #16-70709:

On December 14, 2016, Deputy T. Mohler responded to the Boardwalk in Chesapeake Beach for a check welfare call.  A concerned citizen had requested a Deputy check on a possible homeless male they had seen sitting on a bench.  After approaching the male, who initially gave a false name, he observed an unopened can of an alcoholic beverage sitting next to him, along with a backpack.  The male gave him permission to search his backpack, which contained multiple orange pills in a clear cellophane baggie, along with a small metal pipe/straw containing a white powdery substance.  The male was later determined to be David Snider, 25, of Owings.  He was transported to the Detention Center where he was served arrest documents for CDS: Possession of a Dangerous Nonnarcotic Drug (Methamphetamine), Possession of Paraphernalia (straw) and Fraud/Presume Identity to avoid Prosecution.  He was also found to be a fugitive from justice in the State of Pennsylvania and served (DC/CR30) paperwork for the outstanding felony warrant.

David Snider, 25, of Owings

CDS Violation Case #16-70694:

On December 14, 2016, Deputy M. Lewis, along with Deputy G. Ward, observed Nicholas Kelson, 22, of Lusby, walking at the intersection of White Sands Drive/Stock Drive and were aware he had an active warrant in St. Mary’s County.  Contact was made with Kelson who admitted he had crack cocaine in his coat pocket.  A red container was found inside a pocket with six (6) white rocks, individually wrapped in clear plastic. He was arrested for CDS: Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Paraphernalia (baggie).  He was transported to the Detention Center where he was served his charging documents.

Nicholas Kelson, 22, of Lusby

Destruction of Property Case #16-70253:

On December 12, 2016, at approximately 5:00pm, Dfc. V. Evans responded to the Calvert High School located in Prince Frederick for the report of damaged property.  Upon arrival he was informed that storage containers, baseball equipment and an area on the ground near the football stadium were vandalized with orange spray paint. The vandalism included:  "503", "Jew", "503", "NHS" and a swastika symbol.  The time/date the damage took place is not known.

Destruction of Property Case #16-71055:

On December 16, 2016, Dfc. D. Clark responded to the Calvert County Library, located in Prince Frederick, for the report of damaged property. Upon arrival he made contact with an employee of the Library who advised someone had written “K K K” with an ink pen in one of the men’s bathroom stalls.   Since the restrooms are checked for damage before closing every day, the employees believe the damage occurred between 12:00 noon - 5:00pm that day.  At this time there is no suspect information.

Disorderly Conduct Case #16-70535:

On December 13, 2016, at approximately 9:30pm, Deputy T. Rzepkowski responded to the Calvert Hospital Emergency Room to investigate a disorderly subject.  The caller reported a black male was heard yelling at women as they entered the emergency room.  As Deputy Rzepkowski approached, William Gray, 57, of Owings, he detected a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his person.  After being asked several times to discontinue his disorderly behavior, he was escorted out of the hospital and advised to leave the property.  Gray began to walk in the middle of Hospital Road, causing vehicles to stop to avoid striking him.  He was taken into custody and arrested for Disorderly Conduct.  During the transport William Gray also spat on the computer mounted in the Deputy’s patrol vehicle.

William Gray, 57, of Owings

  

Theft Case #16-70261:

On December 12, 2016, Dfc. J. Hardesty was dispatched to the Prince Frederick Dodge dealership for the report of a theft.  Upon arrival he spoke with the victim who explained that he left his personal vehicle parked on the dealership lot between December 9 – December 12, while he test drove a vehicle belonging to the Dealership.  When he came to pick up his vehicle on December 12^th, he discovered the tailgate to his vehicle was missing.

Theft Case #16-70238:

On December 12, 2016, Dfc. C. Childress was dispatched to the Prince Frederick Ford dealership for the report of a theft.  He was informed that a vehicle brought to the Dealership on December 9^th, to be serviced, had been left parked on their lot for several days after the work was completed.  The vehicle was picked up on December 12^th at 12:15pm.  Shortly after the victim left the lot, they had called to report the tailgate was missing off their vehicle. 

Theft Case #16-71212:

On December 17, 2016, at approximately 8:00pm, Deputy J. Ward responded to the report of a theft occurring at Finch Drive, in Prince Frederick.  Upon arrival he contacted the victim who stated that someone had taken a UPS package, he already confirmed had been delivered to their residence.  The victim stated they received a confirmation that the package was delivered to the front porch earlier in that day.  He contacted the postal carrier who had witnessed a white vehicle sitting in their driveway when the package was delivered.  The stolen items include: a purple horse blanket (size 81) and a 14’ cotton training lead with brass strap.

 

Theft Case #16-71061:

On December 16, 2016, Dfc. R. Weems responded to the Weis Grocery Store, in Lusby, for the report of a theft.  The complainant explained they had been shopping earlier at the store and inadvertently left their purse behind in a grocery cart.  When they returned to retrieve the purse a short time later, they realized it was gone.  The missing contents include:  a MD Driver's License, five (5) social security cards and three (3) Credit Cards.

If you know who committed these crimes or any other criminal activity in Calvert County, you can report it anonymously online by clicking the Crime Solvers link at www.CalvertCountySheriff.us  or by calling 410-535-2800.

Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest or indictment of a person involved in criminal activity.

SHERIFF INVOLVED IN DEPARTMENTAL CRASH

On December 16^th at approximately 6:09 p.m. Sheriff Mike Evans was operating his agency assigned Tahoe, travelling north along Maryland Rt. 261 in the area of Pond Woods Road in Huntingtown.  As Sheriff Evans approached Pond Woods Road he observed a Toyota truck travelling eastbound on Pond Woods Road that was not going to stop at the stop sign. Sheriff Evans braked and turned to the right in an attempt to minimize the collision with the Toyota truck.  The left front of Sheriff Evans vehicle contacted the Toyota truck in the passenger side door. 

The Toyota truck was operated by Jack Rowland Abbott Jr. of Valley Lee in St. Mary’s County Md.  Jack Abbott advised Sgt. Canning, the investigating deputy, that he was not familiar with the area and that he didn’t know that he had run a stop sign or that one was even present.

Sheriff Evans had four passengers in the vehicle with him at the time of the crash. The four passengers were a military family.  The family had won an auction from Beach Elementary School where the Sheriff provided the family with dinner and a tour of the Sheriff’s Office and was returning the family home when the accident occurred.    

EMS personnel from the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene and assessed everyone involved. All of the airbags in Sheriff Evans Tahoe had deployed during the crash and all of the occupants were belted with the children being in booster seats. Fortunately there were no injuries sustained during the crash.

Both vehicles involved in the crash were disabled and had to be towed from the scene. 

*** SHERIFF'S OFFICE CASE OF THE WEEK ***

Burglary Case #16-69041:

On December 5, 2016, Deputy B. Robinson responded to Sark Court, in Prince Frederick, for the report of a burglary.  The victim reports that they left their residence at 5:30pm and returned home at 8:00pm to find a lock on their front door had been tampered with.  While checking their home they noticed several dresser drawers had been opened and multiple personal items were removed and scattered around the bedroom.  In addition, a jewelry box had been gone through and multiple pieces of jewelry and money were taken.  A basement window was discovered open, which is where the suspect entered.  At this time this case remains open to further the investigation.  

***FOLLOW-UP PRESS RELEASE: FATAL MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH RT. 4/ROUSBY HALL ROAD - DECEMBER 15TH, 2016***

On December 15, 2016, at approximately 0132 hours units from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau and Crash Reconstruction Team responded to the area near the intersection of Maryland Route 4 and Rousby Hall Road in Lusby, Maryland for a report of a motor vehicle collision. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a 2012 Ford Mustang and 2009 Nissan 370 Z were both traveling northbound on Maryland Route.  As the vehicles entered the intersection of Rousby Hall Road the Ford Mustang struck the Nissan 370 Z in the rear causing the Nissan to go off the roadway and into an embankment.  Once off the road the Nissan rolled and came to final rest on its roof.  After the collision the operator of the Ford Mustang, later identified as Lindsay Leanne Canter, 32 years old of Lexington Park, Maryland failed to remain on the scene of the collision.  The Mustang was located by CCSO Patrol Bureau deputies and subsequently was stopped a short time later in close proximity to the crash scene.

The operator of the Nissan was identified as Ronald Joseph Ball, 32 years old of Huntingtown, Maryland. Ball was transported to Calvert Memorial Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by CMH ER Staff. 

CCSO Criminal Investigations Bureau detectives followed up with several interviews throughout the 

course of the day on December 15, 2016. During the interviews detectives learned that the suspect in this case, Lindsay Leanne Canter, intentionally struck Ball’s vehicle. The two vehicles had been racing north on Rt. 4 prior to Canter deciding to make contact with Ball’s vehicle. Based upon the information learned during the interviews with Canter she was charged with DUI homicide by motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle crash and numerous other DUI related charges. 

Sheriff Mike Evans said “in Calvert County traffic crashes have a negative impact on more families annually than any other single event law enforcement is involved with. I continue to ensure deputies are conducting traffic enforcement to remove impaired drivers from our roadways in an effort to prevent tragedies such as this one from occurring. The holiday season should be a time for families and friends to get together and share some great times and to make memories. Please do your part to help prevent an event such as this from destroying your holiday season this year and in the future. If you are hosting or attending a party be sure those that are consuming alcoholic beverages do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle and kill or seriously injure themselves or someone else.”

At this time, this investigation is still on going.  Alcohol is undoubtedly a factor in this case. Canter is being held on a "No Bond" status at the Calvert County Detention Center.  If anyone has any information regarding this collision is being asked to contact Sgt. V. Bortchevsky of CRT at 410-535-2800 ext. 2540 or by e-mail: bortchvi@co.cal.md.us    

Lindsay Leanne Canter, 32 years old of Lexington Park, Maryland

   

FATAL MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH RT. 4/ROUSBY HALL ROAD - DECEMBER 15TH, 2016

On December 15, 2016, at approximately 0132 hours units from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau and Crash Reconstruction Team responded to the area near the intersection of Maryland Route 4 and Rousby Hall Road in Lusby, Maryland for a report of a motor vehicle collision. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a 2012 Ford Mustang and 2009 Nissan 370 Z were both traveling northbound on Maryland Route.  As the vehicles entered the intersection of Rousby Hall Road the Ford Mustang struck the Nissan 370 Z in the rear causing the Nissan to go off the roadway and into an embankment.  Once off the road the Nissan rolled and came to final rest on its roof.  After the collision the operator of the Ford Mustang, later identified as Lindsay Leanne Canter, 32 years old of Lexington Park, Maryland failed to remain on the scene of the collision.  The Mustang was located by members of Patrol Bureau and subsequently was stopped a short time later in close proximity to the crash scene.

The operator of the Nissan was identified as Ronald Joseph Ball, 32 years old of Huntingtown, Maryland was transported to Calvert Memorial Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by CMH ER Staff. 

At this time, this investigation is still on going.  Alcohol is being considered as a contributing factor to the collision.  If anyone has any information regarding this collision is being asked to contact Sgt. V. Bortchevsky of CRT at 410-535-2800 ext. 2540 or by e-mail: bortchvi@co.cal.md.us