LA PLATA, Md. — A White Plains man was arrested after allegedly breaking into a residence, brandishing knives, and causing destruction before being taken into custody.
On Feb. 28, 2025, deputies with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a breaking and entering incident at a residence on Kris Drive. Upon arrival, officers encountered two elderly victims frantically fleeing from their home, stating that an unknown man had entered and was throwing objects around the second-story bedroom.
Deputies secured the perimeter, and a K-9 officer and his partner apprehended the suspect, later identified as 42-year-old Michael Santa Mendez. According to investigators, Mendez exited the home through the front door and complied with law enforcement’s commands.
Further investigation revealed that Mendez’s daughters lived nearby and had witnessed him running down the road toward another residence while holding a large knife. Shortly after, the suspect allegedly approached a woman sitting in her vehicle and attempted to gain entry, waving two kitchen knives in the air. The woman refused to let him in, and Mendez reportedly dropped the knives near a tree before running toward another home.
Inside the residence, victims said Mendez forced open the storm door, ran upstairs to a bedroom, and continued his destructive behavior. One of the victims attempted to stop him but was ignored. The victims fled the home as they heard objects being thrown around the upstairs area.
Authorities later recovered two large kitchen knives in the yard near the property. Mendez was taken into custody and charged with third-degree burglary, fourth-degree burglary, and malicious destruction of property valued at less than $1,000.
Under Maryland law, third-degree burglary is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Fourth-degree burglary is a misdemeanor carrying a penalty of up to three years of incarceration. Malicious destruction of property valued at less than $1,000 is a misdemeanor, with penalties including up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500.
Court records indicate that Mendez was released on his own recognizance following his initial appearance. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in Charles County District Court on March 28, 2025.
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I call BS on the Judge! PR for violent behavior like that. How about protecting the law-abiding citizens Judge