On Oct. 6, at 6:40 p.m., deputies responded to the area of Nicolet Park for a reported robbery.
Investigation revealed a 16-year-old juvenile was riding his bicycle in the area of Nicolet Park when he was approached by four subjects who began pushing and shoving him causing bruises to his face and neck. The subjects then stole his bicycle.
During this investigation, a second 18-year-old victim approached the deputies and advised four subjects had just pushed and shoved him off his bicycle in the same area and stole a digital music player from him.
The initial investigation, based on victim identification, lead to the arrest of Dexter A. Gantt, 21 of Valley Court in Lexington Park, and Walter D. Cooper, 26 of no fixed address.
Follow up investigation lead to the additional arrests of three juvenile males. Two of the juveniles were ages 14 from Lexington Park and one was age 15 from Ridge.
The follow up investigation also lead to information clearing Dexter A. Gantt from any involvement in the crime. Lt. T.L. Black, Commander, Patrol Division contacted the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office and advised them of the information clearing Gantt. The St. Mary’s State’s Attorney’s Office contacted the courts and dropped the charges against Gantt.
On Oct. 6, at 6:40 p.m. St. Mary’s County sheriff’s deputies responded to the area of Nicolet Park for a reported robbery. Upon arriving, deputies discovered that a 16-year-old boy was riding his bicycle near the park when he was approached by four males who began pushing and shoving him causing bruises to his face and neck.
The suspects then stole his bicycle. Deputies observed a suspect matching the description, provided by the victim, on Spring Valley Drive in Lexington Park. The victim was able to positively identify the suspect. As a result, Dexter A. Gantt, 21 of Valley Court, was placed under arrest. CORRECTION: At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 8, TheBAYNET.com was informed by St. Mary's County Police that after further investigation, Gantt was not involved in the incident. A full statement will be released to the media on Oct. 9. At this time it is believe the States Attorney has 'null-pros'd' the case against Gantt.
During this investigation, a second 18-year-old victim approached the deputies and advised four subjects had just pushed and shoved him off his bicycle in the same area and stole a digital music player from him.
That victim and a witness were able to provide a description of the suspects and deputies located Walter D. Cooper, 26 of no fixed address, in a stairwell on Valley Ct. He was placed under arrest.
The suspect was searched and deputies found two controlled dangerous substance tablets wrapped in a brown paper wrapper on his person. The CDS was not prescribed to Cooper. The suspect was then transported to the Detention Center, charged with two counts of assault in the second degree, two counts of robbery and possession of CDS.
Cooper was also charged with one count of second-degree-assault from an earlier incident which occurred in the area of Millison Plaza where he approached another victim and asked for food or money. When the victim refused Cooper allegedly struck the victim in the face with his hand and fled the area.
Gantt was charged with two counts of assault in the second degree and two counts of robbery.
Both suspects were held at the Detention Center pending an appearance before the district court commissioner. The investigation is ongoing. Additional arrests are pending.
For questions or inquiries contact Lt. T.L. Black, Commander, Patrol Division at (301) 475-4200 Ext. 1925.
