LA PLATA, Md. — A man with no fixed address is facing property destruction charges after allegedly throwing large rocks through three windows at a La Plata Wendy’s restaurant, causing over $1,500 in damage. Ryan Christopher Lucas, 38, was arrested following the incident, which police say forced the business to temporarily close due to safety concerns.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on Sept. 13, 2025, around 11:30 a.m. when La Plata Police Officer N. McGovern responded to the Wendy’s located at 6233 Crain Highway for reports of a suspect armed with large rocks. Court records indicate communications advised that the suspect had thrown rocks through the restaurant’s windows while appearing visibly irate.
Police say the restaurant manager witnessed Lucas throwing large rocks through three ceiling-to-floor windows surrounding the eating area while yelling, though she could not determine what he was saying. The manager locked the business doors out of fear for customer and employee safety.
Officer McGovern reported observing extensive damage to the three windows, along with large rocks scattered across the restaurant floor surrounded by shattered glass. The manager estimated repair costs at approximately $500 per window due to their size, totaling over $1,500 in damages.
According to the police report, the manager provided video footage from her cellphone showing Lucas walking away from the scene. The footage depicted a Black male approximately 6 feet tall with a thin build, wearing a white hat, blue plaid sweater, dark gray jeans, and black shoes. After distributing this description to other officers, Corporal Kerere reported seeing someone matching it near the Walgreens on Crain Highway approximately five minutes earlier.
Charles County Sheriff’s Office deputies later located Lucas in the American Legion parking lot at 6330 Crain Highway. When Officer McGovern arrived, he confirmed that Lucas matched the subject in the video. Lucas was identified through his identification card, though court records state he has no fixed address.
When asked about the incident, Lucas reportedly told Officer McGovern, “Do you want the truth?” According to the report, he then stated he became irate with Wendy’s after eating their food, which he claimed made him “sick as hell.”
Lucas faces one count of malicious destruction of property valued at $1,000 or more, which carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Court records show Lucas was released on his own recognizance on Sept. 13, 2025.
The Charles County Public Defender’s Office has entered an appearance on Lucas’s behalf and filed motions requesting a speedy trial and demanding discovery of evidence. A trial is scheduled for Oct. 28, 2025, at 9 a.m. in Charles County District Court.
The State’s Attorney’s Office for Charles County is prosecuting the case. All proceedings will take place in Charles County District Court in La Plata.
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So, he damaged thousands of $$ of property because he got sick? They ain’t #1 for nothing…