Kenneth W. Sullivan
Lexington Park, MD— On July 22, Maryland State Police Trooper Ditoto responded to Sell Drive in Lexington Park for a reported domestic disturbance. Before Ditoto arrived at the scene St. Mary’s Emergency Communication Center advised the suspect had a history of assaulting police officers.
Emergency Communications Center further advised the complainant informed them (responding officers), “the suspect planned on assaulting the police when they arrived,” according to charging documents.
When Ditoto arrived on the scene a suspect was observed and identified as Kenneth W. Sullivan, 54, of Lexington Park. Sullivan was sitting on the front porch. Ditoto requested that Sullivan stand up so they could pat him down to make sure he had no weapons.
Sullivan stated, “that is not going to happen,” according to charging documents. Sullivan was asked again to stand up and he did not comply. Instead, Sullivan clenched his fist and pulled back at what Ditoto believed was an attempt to strike another deputy.
Deputy Knott of the St.Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office grabbed Sullivan’s left arm. Sullivan was given multiple orders to stop resisting. Ditoto was able to place Sullivan under arrest after a short struggle.
The complainant advised Sullivan had been acting extremely aggressive towards her. According to charging documents, “Sullivan is also extremely bipolar and, when he goes off, I (complainant) don’t know what he is going to do.”
Sullivan was transported to the St.Mary’s County Detention Center, where he was charged two counts of second-degree assault, failure to obey a lawful order and resisting arrest.
Sullivan has a scheduled court date scheduled for Sept.27 at the St.Mary’s County District Courthouse. Sullivan faces a maximum jail sentence of 23 years and two months and/or a maximum fine of $10,500.
Contact Charles Seifert at c.seifert@thebaynet.com