WALDORF, Md. — Two Waldorf men are facing multiple felony charges after authorities say they robbed a worker at gunpoint and stole property from an apartment complex earlier this month.
Bryant Lee Lyles, 56, of Waldorf, and David Jerome Ransome, 56, of Waldorf, were both charged in connection with the March 10, 2026 incident, according to court documents.
Investigators say the incident occurred around 2:43 p.m. at the Smallwood Village Center area, where deputies with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded for a reported armed robbery.
According to the statement of probable cause, a contractor installing carpet at an apartment complex in the Gallery Place area observed two men taking carpet that had been placed outside. When the worker confronted them, one of the suspects pointed a handgun at him, prompting the worker to retreat.
The suspects then loaded the carpet into a vehicle and fled the scene. The stolen material was valued at approximately $250, and the vehicle used was described as a gray Ford Windstar with Virginia registration plates.
Detectives later identified one of the suspects as Ransome, who was recognized by investigators based on prior encounters and distinctive clothing seen in surveillance and body camera footage.
On March 19, officers located the suspect vehicle leaving the apartment complex and conducted a traffic stop. Lyles was identified as the driver and taken into custody.
During questioning, authorities say Lyles admitted to being present during the theft and identified himself as the individual dressed in black clothing seen in images from the incident. He also told investigators the stolen carpet was stored in a shed at his residence, where it was later recovered following a search warrant.
Ransome was located later the same day in the Smallwood Village Center area and taken into custody. Investigators say he admitted to being present during the incident and confirmed that he and Lyles loaded the carpet into the vehicle before leaving.
Both men are charged with robbery, armed robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and theft under $1,500.
Court records show both suspects are being held without bond following bail review hearings on March 23, 2026.
A preliminary hearing for Ransome is set for April 17, 2026, in Charles District Court. A preliminary hearing for Lyles is set for April 21, 2026, in Charles District Court.
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