Police briefs
Checkpoint yields DUI arrests, drug offenses
On June 28, troopers from the Maryland State Police La Plata barrack in conjunction with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and La Plata Town Police Department convened a sobriety checkpoint on U.S. 301 in the area of Jefferson Farm Place in Waldorf, according to a release from the barrack. During the operation, a total of 803 vehicles traveled through the checkpoint and an additional 30 vehicles were stopped for traffic violations. Nine impaired drivers were arrested for suspected impaired driving, and two others were arrested for drug violations.
DUI checkpoints and DUI saturation patrols are a proven resource in reducing the number of people killed and injured in alcohol or drug-related crashes, the release said. The Maryland State Police want to remind all citizens and motorists to plan on having a sober designated driver. The MSP encourages everyone to obey all traffic laws which results in safer roads and highways for all travelers.
The MSP is planning to step up vigilance statewide this weekend for speeding, reckless and distracted driving, as well as driving while impaired from alcohol or drugs, according to an MSP press release sent out on Tuesday.
Mailbox fire under investigation
The Maryland State Fire Marshal is investigating a mailbox fire that occurred in Waldorf June 30 around 10 p.m., according to a release.
Four firefighters from the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department responded to the blaze and had it controlled in two minutes, according to the report. No one was injured by the fire. It caused $20 worth of damage. The preliminary cause is believed to be incendiary in nature. Anyone with further information is asked to call the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Southern Region, at 443-550-6835.
Teen charged as adult in alleged theft, assault
A La Plata teenager was charged as an adult June 25 for his alleged role in a front yard brawl in the Agricopia development.
Police were called to the La Plata home around 11:47 p.m., according to charging documents, where they came across “two males and a female actively fighting in the front yard of the residence.” According to the report, when officers asked what was going on the individual later identified as 17-year-old Colby Alan Price said the three were fighting over “something dumb” but they’d come to an independent resolution and didn’t want to press charges. Price and the other male were both reportedly injured, “with very visible lacerations, bruises and blood all over their faces and heads.”
While Price and the other male were being assessed by first responders, officers allegedly found pieces of a broken gun in the yard, of which both denied having any knowledge. The other male told police he and the female had arrived at the residence earlier that night with a bag of marijuana. Once the other man had produced the bag, Price allegedly snatched it and ran into the home. A confrontation ensued, according to the report, and Price allegedly exited the home with a gun and pointed it at the male before beginning to hit him with it “across the face and head.”
After Price allegedly hit the other male several times, the report says, the gun broke and he was able to fight back and subdue Price. Officers arrived shortly thereafter, according to the report, at which time Price allegedly admitted to stealing the marijuana and hiding it in the home for his later personal use.
Although charging documents state both Price and the other man were charged, online court records did not return any charges for him in relation to this incident. Price was charged with rogue and vagabond, first- and second-degree assault and theft of less than $100 in value. He was later released on his own recognizance and has a preliminary district court hearing July 12.