Southern Maryland Alerts

06/11/2026

05/14/2026

✅✅UPDATE: 5/14/26 - Leonard Zimmerman has been located and is safe. Thank you for your assistance.
Missing Person

Leonard Zimmerman WM-36 YOA is missing. Last seen 5/9/26 at 1130pm at his residence in Mechanicsville wearing gray pants and gray long sleeve shirt. Possibly driving a black 2015 Jeep Patriot.

05/02/2026

Early warning devices testing:

The Town of La Plata will test early warning devices/sirens on May 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. The tests consist of both siren alerts and audible notifications. The tests are conducted in conjunction with the Charles County 911 Communications Center, which controls and operates the system for the Town.
The devices are installed at the following locations:
• On Charles Street in front of the Charles County Courthouse
• On Curley Hall Road at the Town's Wastewater Treatment Plant (near Quailwood Subdivision)
• In Clarks Run Subdivision
• In King's Grant Subdivision
• On Shining Willow Way next to the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department

Emergency Management Officials remind you that in the event of a real emergency to stay tuned to local radio stations for more information, to have emergency supplies on hand - including a radio which can be operated during a power outage, and to know where the safe haven is in your home. It is everyone's responsibility to plan for an emergency.

https://www.townoflaplata.org/196/Siren-Testing

04/20/2026

✅✅UPDATE, April 21, 2026: Mr. Gitonga has been located and is safe. Thank you to all who shared this message and provided information.

MISSING PERSON - Sammy Gitonga

The St. Mary's County Sherriff's Office is looking for missing person Sammy Gitonga 34 YO Asian male. He was last seen in the Wildewood Subdivision on April 16, 2026. Please contact the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office if seen.

04/20/2026

NOTICE: STREET PAVING

Street paving is scheduled to begin Monday, April 20, weather permitting, in the Jamestown neighborhood
Affected streets include:
Pocahontas Ct.
Powhatan Ct.
Godspeed Ct.
IMPORTANT:

Please do not park on the streets during this time to allow crews to complete the work safely and efficiently.

Thank you for your cooperation. Any questions please contact the public works department at 301-934-8421.

04/14/2026

❗️❗️❗️ UPDATE❗️❗️❗️

Ms. Swann has been located and returned to her family.

CRITICAL MISSING PERSON ALERT:

The La Plata Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Elizabeth Patricia Swann. DOB: 03/18/1949. She’s a black female approximately 5’00”, 168 lbs. wearing a red knit hat, black shirt with flower print, blue jeans, and tan slides. She was last seen leaving her residence on foot on 04/14/2026 at approximately 11am. She was believed to be headed towards the Dash In on Charles Street in La Plata. The missing person may exhibit signs of early dementia. If you have information on her whereabouts or if she is located, please call (301)934-1500.

03/23/2026

03/22/2026

02/11/2026

**CANCELLED - LOCATED - CASE RESOLVED** This Silver Alert has been CANCELLED.

On behalf of the Maryland State Police Prince Frederick Barrack, a Silver Alert is being activated for a missing 67-year-old white male.

Missing Subject: Dennis Craig Burke, 2/M, 6-1, 220 lbs, White hair and blue eyes.

Clothing: Unknown

Vehicle: 2018 Ford Fusion Dark Blue

License: MD tag 7FR6527

Last Seen: 2/10/2026 at approximately 0900 hours in Prince Frederick, Calvert County Md., MD.

Contact: Maryland State Police Prince Frederick Barrack at 410-535-1400 or dial 911.