LEONARDTOWN, MD (September 25, 2024) – Following an investigation into attempted carjackings over the past weekend, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Calvert and Charles County Sheriff’s Office’s Emergency Services Teams, executed simultaneous search and seizure warrants on multiple residences in St. Mary’s County today. Four juvenile male suspects, ranging in age from 15 to 17, were taken into custody and charged with conspiracy to commit carjacking.

 

During the execution of a search warrant at one residence, deputies recovered two firearms: a Taurus G2c with obliterated serial numbers, chambered with a 9mm round and containing a magazine with two rounds, and a Glock Model 19 equipped with a conversion device, known as a "switch," which alters the firearm from semi-automatic to fully automatic. The Glock was loaded with an extended magazine containing 21 rounds. Additionally, deputies seized approximately 1614 suspected fentanyl pills, six individually packaged bags of suspected cannabis, and a scale.

 

The juvenile, age 17, was charged as an adult with 11 criminal counts, including two counts of CDS: possession with intent to distribute, two counts of use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, CDS: possession of a large amount, CDS: possession – not cannabis, two counts of possession of a regulated firearm by a person under 21, illegal possession of ammunition, possession of a rapid-fire trigger activator, and possession of a machine gun.

 

Sheriff Steve Hall said, “The swift execution of these search warrants and the recovery of weapons and drugs highlights the critical work our deputies are doing to keep St. Mary’s County safe. We are unwavering in our commitment to hold accountable those who threaten the safety of our community.”

 

Law enforcement agencies are prohibited from publicly identifying a juvenile, even when charged as an adult, due to legal protections safeguarding the juvenile’s identity throughout the judicial process.

 

 

Original News Release

Sheriff’s Office Investigating Two Attempted Carjackings, Urges Drivers to Stay Alert

 

LEONARDTOWN, MD (September 22, 2024) – Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office are investigating two attempted carjacking incidents that occurred Saturday night in separate locations in California, Maryland.

 

The first incident occurred around 9:34 p.m. near the intersection of FDR Boulevard and MacArthur Boulevard. A female driver reported that several black males approached her vehicle, and one of the suspects, dressed in all black and wearing a blue surgical mask, showed a handgun and demanded her car. The victim was able to drive away safely, and no injuries were reported.

 

The second incident occurred at approximately 11:42 p.m. at a convenience store located at 22711 Three Notch Road. The male victim had just made a purchase and was getting into his car when four black males, also dressed in all black and wearing face masks, surrounded his vehicle and demanded his car. The victim drove out of the parking lot, and the suspects left the area on foot. No injuries were reported.

 

Both incidents are being actively investigated. The Criminal Investigations Division has assumed the cases, and anyone with information related to these incidents is asked to contact Sergeant Keith Moritz at 301-475-4200, ext. 8093, or by email at Keith.Moritz@stmaryscountymd.gov.

 

Tipsters can also call Crime Solvers 24/7 at 301-475-3333 or text Crime Solvers at 274637. In the message block, type "Tip239" and select SEND. After you get a response, continue your conversation.

 

Note: Tip239 is case-sensitive and must be typed in the message block as shown. With Crime Solvers, you never have to give your name. You may be eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.

 

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office urges motorists to stay alert and be aware of their surroundings, especially in parking lots or unfamiliar areas. If you notice anything unusual or feel unsafe, call 911 immediately. Your quick action can help prevent potential crimes and ensure your safety.