LA PLATA, Md. (Aug. 21, 2008) - The Charles County Sheriff's Department today released the following incident and arrest reports.
ASSAULT/ROBBERY: On August 20 at 8:42 p.m., Charles County Sheriff's officers responded to Western Parkway between Acton Lane and Tanglewood Drive in Waldorf for the report of an assault and robbery. The victim was walking home when he was approached by several males and two females. One of the females was walking a black Pit Bull with a white spot on the neck. The males assaulted the victim and stole his wallet. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital where he was treated for injuries that appear to be non-life threatening. Detective G. Higgs is investigating.
BURGLARY ARRESTS: On August 20 at 7:30 p.m., Charles County Sheriff's officers received information that two people who had open warrants for burglary were inside a residence in the 3100 block of Heathcote Road in Waldorf. Officers located the suspects, Tasha Ladana Lancaster, 30, of Waldorf, and Michael Raheem Ruff, 31, of Waldorf, and placed them under arrest. Both suspects were charged with felony burglary and theft. Lancaster, who became disorderly during the arrest, was also charged with resisting arrest. Officer G. Barnhart and Detective A. Celia investigated.
STRONG ARMED ROBBERY: On August 19 at 3:50 p.m., Charles County Sheriff's officers responded to Western Parkway and Holly Tree Lane in Waldorf for the report of a citizen robbery. Investigation revealed the victim was approached by three suspects who assaulted him and demanded money. After the robbery, the suspects fled and the victim called police. The Major Crimes Unit will investigate.
WANTED FUGUTIVE LINKED TO OTHER ASSAULTS: Charles County Sheriff's investigators, continuing their investigation into the August 11 murder of Joseph Ray Burgess, have now linked the suspect, James Cornell Ford, Jr., 20, of Oxon Hill, to an unrelated shooting that occurred on July 20. In that case, Ford was inside a business establishment in the 16700 block of Prince Frederick Road in Waldorf when he produced a handgun and fired a shot. He went outside and fired more shots in a crowded parking lot. No one was struck but Ford fled prior to police arrival.
Evidence recovered from the homicide was linked to evidence recovered from the shooting. Investigators obtained additional arrest warrants charging Ford with multiple counts of first degree assault, second degree assault, use of a handgun, reckless endangerment and destruction of property. Detective C. Shankster is investigating.