LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A 21-year-old Lexington Park man is facing felony charges for aggravated animal cruelty after a property manager provided police with surveillance footage that allegedly captured him attacking his dog. The case was detailed in charging documents filed in St. Mary’s County.
The investigation began on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, after an animal control officer was alerted to the incident by the property manager of the Lexington Village Apartments. According to the officer’s statement, the manager showed deputies surveillance video from Aug. 21, 2025, which investigators said depicted the assault.
Charging documents allege that the footage showed a man, identified as Darius Chew, 21, of Lexington Park, chasing a medium-sized dog. Investigators reported that Chew appeared to kick the cowering dog, strike it and carry it suspended in the air by its neck. In one sequence, the video allegedly showed Chew lifting the dog about 5 feet into the air before slamming it onto its back on a concrete sidewalk. He then allegedly grabbed the dog again by its neck and carried it into his apartment.
The property manager identified Chew as the sole occupant of the apartment and confirmed he only had the one dog seen in the video, according to court records.
Chew faces multiple charges, including two felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty and two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. The felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty in Maryland carries a maximum penalty of up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Court records show that Chew was arrested and released on a $1,500 unsecured personal bond. A trial is scheduled for Sept. 29, 2025.
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