Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run Kicks-off Summer Games (Begins First Leg in Hyattsville)

Upper Marlboro, MD… Sheriff Melvin C. High and Chief Assistant Sheriff Darrin Palmer joined Hyattsville City Chief of Police Douglas Holland and other law enforcement officers from agencies in the region today at the opening ceremony for the first leg of the Maryland Law Enforcement Torch Run. Chief Holland, Sheriff High and Deputy Chief Hector Velez from the County Police Department saluted Special Olympics athletes and recalled the tradition of law enforcement’s support of the Torch Run and Special Olympics in Maryland.

Chief Holland, who chairs the Law Enforcement Torch Run, urged new officers to get involved. He said, “To all the new police officers and recruits here today, I challenge you to get involved with as many Special Olympics activities as you can during your careers. The Maryland Special Olympics program is a standard bearer for others like it around the world, and we raise more money than many other programs because of the support of individuals like you who keep it strong.”

Sheriff High said he had been involved with Special Olympics for over 30 years and also urged new officers to support the program, saying, “It’s been a pleasure to see the program grow over the years and a source of pride knowing that the law enforcement community helped to fuel that growth.”

About 100 athletes and law enforcement officers participated in the first leg of the Run, which went from the Hyattsville Courthouse ceremony to the American Legion Post in College Park, where lunch was provided for the runners. From College Park, runners go on to Laurel, then finally to Towson – the final leg in the State Torch Run that ends with the opening ceremony of the 2013 Special Olympics Summer Games.

“Every year we are reminded of the strength and commitment of support we get from our colleagues, fellow officers and friends for this great event. As a parent of a Special Olympics athlete and a member of law enforcement, I’m proud and thankful for the friends our program has. They are what makes it all work,” said Chief Holland.

The Sheriff’s Office Motors Unit escorted the runners and provided a bus for runners who might need a break along the route and to transport them back to the Courthouse at the end of the Run.

The Torch Run was the idea of Police Chief Richard LaMunyon of Witchita, Kansas, who hoped to involve law enforcement in the idea 1981, to raise money to support Special Olympics.

The idea took off when the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) embraced the project just three year later. With the support of IACP, law enforcement community involvement grew to include organizations at every level of government.

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-2773.       
                                                                                                

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Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Felony Assault Suspect

Upper Marlboro, MD…  The Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the arrest Friday of Cherri Jones on an arrest warrant for Felony Assault obtained by County Police District III detectives on May 9, 2013.

According to the warrant, Jones was involved in a verbal altercation with her stepfather at a residence in the 3300 block of Walters Ln. in Suitland, MD. The warrant further states that following the dispute, Jones threatened to return to the residence with a gun. Jones later returned to the residence with a silver handgun and fired at several victims before fleeing the scene.

Deputies investigating the whereabouts of Jones were led to the Annapolis Mall where they located and apprehended her without incident.

District III detectives were notified of Jones’ arrest and she was transported to the Prince George’s Department of Corrections – charged with First and Second Degree Assault, Reckless Endangerment, Malicious Destruction of Property and Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony.

For more information contact the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Press Information Office at 301-780-2773.

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Deputies Apprehend Brothers – Close 2 Warrants

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the arrest of Marquett Dickey yesterday on an arrest warrant for Robbery obtained by County Police District IV officers on April 8, 2013.

According to the warrant, Dickey was in the 5300 block of Livingston Ter., in Oxon Hill, MD, when he began choking a male victim who was walking home. As Dickey choked the victim, he and three other suspects began going through the victim’s pockets. The warrant indicates that suspects stole an Apple Iphone, wrist watch, wallet, backpack, and cash from the victim; totaling approximately $730.00.

Deputies investigating Dickey’s whereabouts were led to a residence in the 3300 block of Curtis Dr. in Temple Hills, MD, where they located and arrested him without incident. While at the residence, deputies also located and apprehended Dickey’s brother Anthony M. Dickey, who was wanted for Failure to Appear on drug related charges.

Marquett Dickey and Anthony Dickey were transferred to the custody of County Police District IV detectives for further investigation.

For more information contact the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Press Information Office at 301-780-2773.

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Sheriff Dedicates “Fallen Heroes Memorial” During Police Week

Upper Marlboro, MD… In conjunction with Police Week 2013, the Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff officially dedicated its “Fallen Heroes Memorial” memorializing the lives and service of Deputy First Class Elizabeth Magruder and Sergeant James Arnaud who were killed in the line of duty on August 29, 2002..  The dedication – on the grounds of the Sheriff’s Headquarters - comes during the week of the 15^th of May, which was proclaimed Police Week by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. 

Sheriff Melvin C. High, the Deputy Sheriff’s Association President Stanford Moore, family members of Deputies Magruder and Arnaud and members of the Sheriff’s Office were joined by, Prince George’s County & 7^th Judicial Circuit Administrative Judge Sheila Tillerson Adams, Mr. Barry Stanton, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Public Safety, along with Corporal Vince Canales, President of Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 89 and Mr. John Bartlett, President of the Maryland FOP.

In his remarks, Sheriff High said the moment of remembrance was important not only for those who were lost, but as well for the men and women who have served, who currently serve and who will serve.  Of the ultimate sacrifice of PFC Magruder and Sergeant Arnaud, High said, “Their sacrifice reminds us that not all people believe in the sanctity of human life and thus we are called to protect our society, yet in doing so, on too many occasions, our members must pay a heavy price for safety and freedom.”

Judge Adams called Sheriff’s Deputies the guardian angel of the courts. In remembrance of Deputies Magruder and Arnaud, she said “We forget that deputies go into people’s intimate spaces to serve commitments of the courts and we don’t realize how important and volatile that can be.”

Mr. Barry Stanton, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Public Safety, representing Public Safety and the Office of County Executive Rushern Baker offered remarks and read the Dedication Proclamation from the County Executive during the dedication. In his remarks, Stanton spoke to the difficulty of forging ahead in the aftermath of an officer lost in the line of duty, saying,“We can’t understand how hard it is on those who serve, on those who lead or on those who love.”

Deputy Sheriff’s Association President Corporal Stanford Moore called the dedication a very special day, and spoke about a total brotherhood of law enforcement officers, whether deputies, county police officers, fire-fighters, or municipal officers. ”Work and family, we separate the two. That’s what we signed up to do; it’s not for everybody,” he said.

Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) 89, Corporal Vince Canales said he remembered the sad day when Deputy Magruder and Arnaud were killed because he was the officer in charge of the investigation. “I walked in today with a sad memory that can now be replaced by a happy memory because of this memorial.”

Maryland State FOP President Rodney Bartlett spoke on behalf of the 23,000 law enforcement officers serving in the State of Maryland.

Councilmember Mel Franklin read the County Council Dedication Proclamation, followed by Mr. Stanton, after which Chief Asst. Sheriff Colonel Darrin Palmer asked everyone to draw near to encircle the families and President Moore as the memorial was unveiled.

The ceremony closed with a benediction by DSA Chaplain Eric Douglas as Retired Lt. Colonel Robert L. Kiker played “Taps”.

For more information contact the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Press Information Office at 301-780-2773.

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Media Advisory: Office of the Sheriff Dedicates Fallen Heroes Memorial

Upper Marlboro, MD…  During Police Week 2013, the Office of the Sheriff will hold a ceremony marking the official dedication of its “Fallen Heroes Memorial” and honor the lives of Sergeant James Arnaud and DFC Elizabeth Magruder, who died in the line of duty in 2002 while attempting to serve an emergency petition. .

WHO:             Sheriff Melvin C. High and former Sheriffs

                        Office of the County Executive

                        Deputy Sheriff’s Association President Stan Moore

                        Family Members of Elizabeth Magruder and Sergeant James Arnaud

WHAT:          Dedication of “Fallen Heroes Memorial” and ceremony to honor the Memory of

Sgt. James Arnaud and DFC Elizabeth Magruder

WHEN:          Thursday, May 16, 2013

                        8:00 a.m.

WHERE:       Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff – Site of the Memorial

                        5303 Chrysler Way, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

A brief reception will follow the ceremony.

Members of the media are invited to attend; for more information contact the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office, Press Information Office at 301-780-7354.

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Deputies Close 5 Warrants with Arrest of Burglary Suspect

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Warrant Fugitive Division reported the arrest Tuesday of Dominique Walker on an arrest warrant for First Degree Burglary, obtained by County Police District IV detectives on March 1, 2013.

 

According to the warrant, Walker broke into a residence and stole various items in the 6800 block of Middlefield Terr. in Fort Washington, MD, on January 28, 2013.

Deputies investigating Walker’s whereabouts were led to the 4200 block of 28^th Ave. in Temple Hills, MD, where he was located and apprehended after attempting to flee from deputies. An additional 4 warrants for Burglary and Destruction of Property were closed with Walker’s arrest.

Detectives were notified of Walker’s arrest and he was transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections – charged with 1^st, 3^rd and 4^th Degree Burglary, Conspiracy to Commit Burglary, Illegal Transportation of a Handgun and Theft.

For more information contact the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Press Information Office at 301-780-2773.

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Suspect Arrested on Four 2002 Indictments for Robbery w/Deadly Weapon

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the arrest last Wednesday of Marlon Bethea on four indictments for Robbery with a Deadly Weapon and other related charges, issued by the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, MD, on December 13, 2002.

Bethea was indicted by a Prince George’s County Grand Jury on robbery charges from four separate incidents that occurred on November 6^th, 10^th, and 12^th of 2002.  Bethea was also wanted on a warrant for Failure to Appear on Possession of a Concealed Deadly Weapon charges from May 12, 2004.

Deputies investigating the cold case followed a tip that led to a residence in the 1300 block of Belmont St. in Washington D.C, where Bethea was located. Metropolitan Washington police officers assisted in the apprehension.

Bethea was transported to the Metropolitan Police District III – charged as a Fugitive from Prince George’s County, MD. Bethea’s arrest closes the four indictment warrants – the four for Robbery with a Deadly Weapon and the one for Failure to Appear

For more information contact the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Press Information Office at 301-780-2773.