On Aug. 20, officers assigned to the CCSO COPs unit conducted special patrols at the Smallwood Park and Ride due to complaints of loitering and drug and alcohol use. Officers charged two adults with alcohol violations and a third person was charged with possession of drugs with intent to distribute.

In an unrelated event that occurred at the park and ride on Aug. 16, a 20-year-old man was arrested for disorderly conduct after witnesses called police to report he and another person were drinking and cursing at people. The man initially refused an officer’s request to leave the premises. He continued cursing and then fled from officers after being told he was going to be arrested. He was apprehended after a brief struggle.

In addition, the same man was linked to an incident that occurred on July 13 in which he hurled a rock through the back window of a car waiting at a traffic light on Route 301 near the park and ride. He was recently charged on a criminal summons with assault.

“When we do these operations, we mean business. There are good, law-abiding folks who depend on using the transportation at this lot and they have a right to feel safe. We have no tolerance for people who commit criminal activity, especially in a public place. It’s discourteous, makes people feel uncomfortable and it’s against the law,” said Sheriff Rex W. Coffey.

“We increased police visibility and conducted some operations and I believe we have identified many of the people responsible for criminal activity at the lot. Some of the people have been arrested by our officers time and time again for incidents that have occurred there.

Now they are in the hands of the criminal justice system who will determine the outcome and punishments of their actions,” said Sheriff Rex W. Coffey. “We will continue to do our part and we ask anyone who sees something suspicious to say something and call us immediately.”

Charles County Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in Charles County that leads to an arrest or indictment. Anyone with information about a crime may contact Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS or Text CHARLES + your tip to CRIMES or submit a web tip. All callers remain anonymous.

Media Contact
Diane Richardson
301-609-6557
richardsond@ccso.us