Mechanicsville, MD—On March.25, Maryland State Police Trooper Christopher Ditoto responded to Queen Arbor Court in Mechanicsville for a reported disturbance.
When Ditoto arrived on the scene and made contact with the suspect–identified as Jeffrey K. Price, 39, of Mechanicsville–who was outside of the residence. Price stated, “approximately a week ago he had given his son approximately $500. Price’s son took the money he received and gave it to his Grandmother (victim) for safekeeping in a bank account,” according to charging documents.
Price said he was in the process of finding a new place to live because he and the victim do not get along very well, and the last time he stayed at the house was March 20. Price also stated he still receives mail at the residence. He has just been attempting to avoid conflict with the victim.
According to charging documents, “Price came to the residence to get $50 back from his son, so he could afford a hotel room for the night. Price stated when he showed up all the doors to the house were locked, and the victim would not let him in.”
Price said he gained entry into the house via the garage door.
Once inside Price said a verbal argument ensued between him and the victim. The victim locked herself in her bedroom and refused to open the door to talk to him (Price). According to charging documents, “Price stated he did not assault anyone he was just mad that the victim would not give him money for a hotel room,” according to charging documents.
Ditoto then made contact with the victim who had the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from her breath and person. The victim admitted she had a few to drink but was adamant that she was not intoxicated or drunk. The victim stated, “she did yell at Price to leave and not to come back. The victim was not sure how exactly Price got inside, but she felt very threatened by his presence,” according to charging documents.
The victim stated, “She heard Price walking through the house making several threatening remarks, and damaging numerous items inside the residence. The victim also heard Price banging on the door demanding that she open it for him, as well as numerous small holes throughout the door,” according to charging documents.
Ditoto talked to another individual who was present at the residence who stated, “Price came to the back door, broke the window, opened the door and entered the residence,” according to charging documents.
Price also retrieved a hammer and started yelling numerous threats of bodily harm towards the victim, none of which involved the hammer he had retrieved. Price was placed under arrest for first-degree assault, second-degree assault and malicious destruction of property. Price did not understand why he was being arrested, however once Ditoto, “explained it to him he understood and apologized numerous times for his actions,” according to charging documents.
Price was transported to the St.Mary’s County Detention Center to be held pending a bond review with the District Court Commissioners.
Price faces a maximum jail sentence of 35 years and two months and/or a maximum fine of $3,000.
Contact Charles Seifert at c.seifert@thebaynet.com