Southern Maryland News Net

Indian Head House Destroyed, One Firefighter Injured and Homeowner Burned; Ice Hampers First Responders Response

On Thursday, January 29, 2026, at approximately 4:00 a.m., firefighters from the Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding departments responded to 5450 Powerline Place in Indian Head, for the reported house on fire. 911 callers reported the house was on fire with all occupants attempting to evacuate. Within 5 minutes of the initial 911 call, the caller called back confirming all occupants had evacuated. First arriving units arrived around 4:12 a.m., and found fire showing from the 2-story...
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Calvert County Attorney Arrested After Allegedly Pointing Gun in Road Rage Incident Caught on Video

Liza Sue Castles, 59, a local attorney from Huntingtown, has been charged with first-degree assault and reckless endangerment following an alleged road rage incident in which she reportedly pointed a handgun at another driver, according to court documents filed in Calvert County District Court. The charges stem from a January 21, 2026, encounter on the roadway. Deputies with the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded around 5:30 p.m. to the area of Hollyberry Drive and Emmanuel Church Road after an...
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UPDATE: 43-Year-Old Waldorf Man Killed After Hit and Run; Police Seeking 1997-2005 Dark Blue Buick Regal

UPDATE 1/27/2026: On Monday, January 26, 2027, at 6:28 p.m., officers responded to the area of Gallery Place for the report of a body in the roadway. When officers arrived, they located an adult male who appeared to have been struck by a vehicle; the driver did not stay on the scene. A preliminary investigation showed the pedestrian was crossing the southbound lanes of St. Charles Parkway near Gallery Place when he was struck. The pedestrian, Glen Jermain Baker,...
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UPDATE: 9-Year-Old Flown to Children’s Center with Serious Injuries After Sledding Accident in Mechanicsville

On Monday, January 26, 2026, at approximately 3:50 p.m., firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 27000 block of Budds Creek Road in Mechanicsville, for the reported traumatic injuries with one unconscious. 911 callers reported an 9-year-old female was unconscious and bleeding from the nose after a sledding accident. Due to the nature of the call, Maryland State Police Aviation Command was pre-launched to land nearby. Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 7 is responding to land at Budds...
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UPDATE: Woman Flown to Trauma Center After SUV Rear-Ends Snow Plow in Hollywood

On Monday, January 26, 2026, at approximately 12:01 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Southbound Three Notch Road at Airport View Drive in Hollywood, for the serious motor vehicle collision with entrapment involving a snow plow. Multiple 911 callers reported a vehicle struck a tractor snow plow head-on, with the operator of the tractor trapped inside. Crews arrived on the scene within minutes of dispatch to confirm a rear end style collision between...
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One Firefighter Injured After Firetruck Hits Ice, Loses Control and Strikes Pole in St. Mary’s County

On Sunday, January 25, 2026, at approximately 6:18 p.m., firefighters from Hollywood and Bay District Volunteer Fire Departments were dispatched to a residential fire alarm in Wildewood. At 6:22 p.m., While responding to the scene with lights and sirens activated, Rescue Engine 92 hit ice causing the engine to lose control and strike a utility pole, before coming to a rest in the snow covered median. Northbound Three Notch Road at Wildewood Parkway was completely closed for hours while...
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UPDATE: State Fire Marshal Investigating House Fire in Waldorf, No Injuries Reported

UPDATE 1/25/2026: Firefighters from Charles and Prince George’s County are responding back to the residence at 7:45 a.m., due to multiple 911 callers reporting the house is on fire again. Crews arrived on the scene and confirmed fire through the roof of the residence again and began making entry to extinguish the fire. Firefighter remain on the scene as of 8:30 a.m., and reporting fire throughout the residence with multiple attack lines in place. No injuries have been reported....
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Southern Maryland Braces for Major Winter Storm: What You Need to Do Now

Southern Maryland is on track for a significant winter storm starting late Saturday and lasting into Monday — with heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain and Arctic cold that could keep temperatures below freezing for days after the storm passes. Officials have issued a Winter Storm Warning for our region, and neighboring jurisdictions including D.C. and Virginia have already declared states of emergency. This isn’t just a bit of snow — the storm will bring a dangerous mix of accumulating...
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UPDATE: Suspended Prince George’s County Officer Found Guilty of Sexual Abuse of a Minor

UPDATE 1/22/2026: Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Friday, January 16, 2026, a Charles County jury, after a 5-day trial, convicted Tristan Thigpen, 40, of Sexual Abuse a Minor. On February 3, 2021, a detective with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office received a Child Protect Services Intake report from Prince George’s County. The report indicated an open investigation into allegations of sexual abuse occurring in Prince George’s County. During that investigation, the juvenile victim disclosed...
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UPDATE: GoFundMe Started for Father and Son After Losing Everything to House Fire in Mechanicsville

UPDATE 1/22/2026: GoFundMe can be found by clicking here. Fortunately, the homeowners escaped without injury. “The father and son are seeking any donation, no matter the size, with everything going directly toward helping him and his son cover essentials and regain stability. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser or keeping them in your thoughts and prayers is just as appreciated!” On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 11:32 a.m., firefighters from Mechanicsville, Hollywood, Leonardtown, and Seventh District were...
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Are You Prepared for the Cold and Snow? National Weather Service Warns As Major Snowstorm Incoming

Winter Storm Watch in Effect – WHAT…Heavy snow mixed with sleet and freezing rain possible. There is a high likelihood of at least 5 inches of snow, with over 10 inches possible. Ice accumulation is also possible. WHERE…DC, and portions of central, northeast, northern, Southern Maryland, and Central and Northern Virginia. WHEN…From Saturday evening through Monday morning. IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Snow will likely overspread the area Saturday...
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Early Morning Green House Fire in Mechanicsville Under Investigation, No Injuries Reported

On Friday, January 16, 2026, at approximately 3:30 a.m., firefighters from Mechanicsville, Leonardtown, Hollywood, Bay District, and Second District were dispatched to the 41100 block of Bishop Road in Mechanicsville, for the reported structure on fire. Crews arrived on the scene to find a greenhouse complex fully engulfed and quickly spreading to two nearby greenhouses and an adjacent shed. Due to the scale of the fire and the potential hazards from stored chemicals, the incident was immediately upgraded to...
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Three Transported to Trauma Center, Two Others Transported After Serious Crash With Entrapment and Ejection in Waldorf

On Saturday, January 17, 2026, at approximately 6:42 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 7000 block of Bensville Road in White Plains, for the reported motor vehicle collision with injuries. Crews arrived on the scene to find a three vehicle collision with multiple trapped and one ejected. The incident was upgraded to a serious motor vehicle collision which alerted additional First Responders to the scene. Firefighters found two patients trapped in one vehicle, and one...
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Early Morning Crash in California Sends One to Trauma Center

On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, approximately 6:50 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the intersection of Chancellors Run Road and FDR Boulevard in California, for a motor vehicle accident involving an unresponsive subject. Crews quickly arrived on scene to find a two-vehicle, rear-end style collision with no entrapment, and confirmed one patient had serious injuries. EMS evaluated all individuals involved and requested Maryland State Police Aviation Command’s Trooper 7 to transport one patient. Rather than landing...
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UPDATE: Four Arrested in Connection to Murder of Missing 14-Year-Old Who Was Found Dead in Prince George’s County

UPDATE 1/19/2026: The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit charged four suspects in connection with the murder of a teenager at a park in College Park. The suspects are 18-year-old Jose Merlos-Majano, 21-year-old Alan Josai Garcia-Padilla and 19-year-old William Cuellar Gutierrez. These three suspects are from Washington, DC. A fourth suspect, a 17-year-old from Hyattsville, is also charged. All four suspects are in custody and charged with the murder of 14-year-old Jefferson Amaya-Ayala of Washington, DC. This extensive investigation...
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The Extinct Megatooth Shark Megalodon Armored its Teeth with Zinc

Strong teeth are essential for many animals, especially those that eat hard foods such as bone or shell. To understand how tooth strength evolved in giant sharks, we studied fossil teeth from the extinct megatooth shark Otodus megalodon and its ancestor, O. obliquus. We focused on the outer enameloid layer of the teeth, which is the shark...
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One Displaced After Bryans Road House Fire, No Injuries Reported and Fire Remains Under Investigation

On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at approximately 10:20 p.m., firefighters from the Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding departments responded to the 6700 block of McCormick Drive in Bryans Road, for the reported garage on fire. Multiple 911 callers reported fire showing from the attached garage with all occupants accounted for and out...
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What Residents and Businesses Must Do After a Snowstorm in St. Mary’s County

After a snowstorm, residents and business owners in St. Mary’s County have clear legal responsibilities when it comes to snow and ice removal. County law spells out who is responsible, what must be cleared, and how quickly it must be done — and there are penalties for ignoring it. What Must Be Cleared Property...
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St. Mary’s and Charles County Schools CLOSED – Calvert Opening on 2 Hour Delay for January 29th, 2026

St. Mary’s County – Schools Closed – Code 4 for Staff – January 29, 2026 Prince George’s County – Thursday, January 29 and Friday, January 30, 2026 | CODE YELLOW | Schools are closed. All Offices are closed. Emergency personnel only must report to work. Meal distribution will open… Anne Arundel County – Due to continuing...
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Bryans Road Volunteers Rescue Dog Stuck at Bottom of Icy Hill

On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at approximately 9:45 a.m., firefighters responded to Dakota Street in Bryans Road, for the reported animal rescue. 911 callers reported their dog was stuck on the ice and needed assistance. Firefighters from the Bryans Road VFD responded and found the small dog at the bottom of a icy hill....
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Huntingtown Native Serving with Navy fighter Squadron to Support Super Bowl LX Flyover

During the 2026 Super Bowl national anthem performance, members of four U.S. Navy tactical squadrons will conduct a unified flyover with members of the Air Force. Lt. Cmdr. Dewayne Hooper, a native of Huntingtown, Maryland, is among those supporting the Feb. 8 flyover above Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The eight-aircraft flyover formation...
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Governor Moore Announces the Lower Bills and Local Power Act to Combat Rising Utility Costs and Deploy Affordable Local Energy

Governor Wes Moore today announced the Lower Bills and Local Power Act as part of the Moore-Miller Administration’s 2026 legislative agenda. Focused on securing an affordable and reliable energy future for Maryland, the legislation introduces measures to secure financing for local clean energy projects, modernize the electric grid, and provide additional direct energy bill...
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Murder Suspect Captured in St. Mary’s County After Victim is Found Dead in Baltimore, and Believed to Have Been Killed in Anne Arundel County

On August 18, 2025, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Baltimore Police Officers responded to the 2700 block of Manokin Street in Baltimore for an unattended death. Upon their arrival, officers located 29-year-old Wilson Estuardo Marroquin Caceros suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body. The victim was pronounced deceased by medics on scene. An...
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Leadership Southern Maryland Announces Selection of the LSM Emerging Leaders Program Class of 2026

The Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) Board of Directors is pleased to introduce the 30 talented Southern Maryland professionals selected for the LSM Emerging Leaders Program (LEAP) Class of 2026. From Calvert County – Renee Arnold, Sponsored Programs Coordinator, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Zanna Clayton, Settlement Officer, Eagle Title Emma Donaldson, Assistant...
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Potomac Heights Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad Regrets to Announce Death of Past Chief and Life Member John “Teddy” Lundstrom

The Potomac Heights Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad Inc. regrets to announce the death of Past Chief and Life Member John “Teddy” Lundstrom. At the age of 81, Teddy passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026 after a brief battle with lung cancer with his wife and daughter by his side. Teddy served...
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Southern Maryland Schools CLOSED on Wednesday, January 28, 2026

St. Mary’s County – All Schools and Offices are closed on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 – Code 3 for staff. No employees should report to work. Administrative leave will be provided for twelve-month employees. Operations Prince George’s County – Closed Tuesday, January 27, 2026 – Thursday, January 29, 2026 | CODE YELLOW | Schools are...
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No Injuries Reported After Furnace Causes House Fire in Hollywood

On Monday, January 26, 2026, at approximately 8:40 p.m., firefighters from Leonardtown, Hollywood, Bay District, Mechanicsville, and Seventh District responded to the 23900 block of McIntosh Road in Hollywood, for the reported house fire. 911 callers reported a furnace fire which was spreading to the walls, with the homeowner attempting to extinguish the fire....
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Firefighter MAYDAY Results in Non-Life-Threatening Injury During Garage Fire in La Plata

On Monday, January 26, 2026, at approximately 6:32 p.m., firefighters from La Plata VFD and surrounding departments responded to the 7000 block of Hawthorne Road in La Plata, for the reported garage on fire. Crews arrived on the scene to find a 1-story 10×20 garage with fire throughout. During fire suppression operations, one member...
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Southern Maryland Schools CLOSED on Tuesday, January 27, 2026

St. Mary’s County – All Schools and Offices are CLOSED on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 – Code 3 for staff. No employees should report to work. Administrative leave will be provided for twelve-month employees. Operations Prince George’s County – Tuesday, January 27, 2026 – Thursday, January 29, 2026 | CODE YELLOW | Schools are closed. All...
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7-Year-Old Transported to Children’s Center After Sledding Accident in Waldorf

On Monday, January 26, 2026, at approximately 10:25 a.m., firefighters and emergency medical services responded to Christina Place in Waldorf, for the reported traumatic injuries. 911 callers reported a 7-year-old male was sledding, when he struck a heat pump and was now having difficulty moving. Crews arrived on the scene and found the child...
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60-Year-Old Flown to Trauma Center with Serious Injuries After Falling on Icy Driveway

On Monday, January 26, 2026, at approximately 10:15 a.m., firefighters and emergency medical services responded to Beverly Drive in Mechanicsville, for the reported injuries after a fall with altered mental status. 911 callers reported a 60-year-old male slipped and fell in the driveway and struck his head. The caller advised the victim was responsive...
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NAS Patuxent River Operating under Restricted Access Due to Weather Monday, January 26, 2026

Due to weather conditions, NAS Patuxent River will maintain its operational status of Restricted Access for All but Mission Essential Personnel Monday, January 26, 2026. This applies to NAS Patuxent River, Webster Outlying Field, and Navy Recreation Center Solomons. The NAS Patuxent River Child and Youth Programs, Commissary and Navy Exchange will be closed...
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