CHARLOTTE HALL, Md. — Two St. Mary’s County men are facing charges after a road rage incident escalated into an alleged assault, theft, and the destruction of more than $1,000 worth of fishing gear, according to court records.
Zachary Dylan Ward, 27, of Mechanicsville, and Bryan Keith Kelley, 36, of Charlotte Hall, were both arrested April 26 following the incident that unfolded the night before and continued into the early morning hours.
Maryland State Police responded to a reported road rage incident and directed those involved to the Leonardtown barrack. The confrontation later shifted to a park-and-ride lot in Charlotte Hall, where tensions escalated.
According to investigators, Kelley exited a vehicle and approached another individual in an aggressive manner, leading to a physical altercation during which the victim reported being grabbed and pulled before escaping.
Charging documents state Ward entered the victim’s vehicle during the confrontation and removed several fishing rods and reels, placing them into his truck.
Authorities allege the situation continued to escalate as Ward later removed the fishing equipment from his truck, placed it on the pavement and drove over it, causing extensive damage estimated at about $1,100.
Investigators also reported that Kelley removed keys from the victim’s vehicle and threw them into a nearby field. The keys were later recovered after a search of the area.
Additional items, including a pair of shoes, were also reported taken during the incident.
Ward is charged with malicious destruction of property valued at $1,000 or more, second-degree assault, rogue and vagabond, and theft between $100 and $1,500.
Kelley is charged with theft between $100 and $1,500, second-degree assault, and rogue and vagabond.
Both men were transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center and later released on $3,000 unsecured personal bonds.
Under Maryland law, second-degree assault carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Malicious destruction of property over $1,000 and rogue and vagabond charges each carry potential penalties of up to three years, while theft in the charged range carries up to six months. Combined, Ward could face more than 16 years of incarceration, while Kelley could face more than 13 years if convicted.
A hearing is set for June 4, 2026, in St. Mary’s District Court.
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I see road rage all the time in the county. Time to step up enforcement of the traffic laws.
Beavis and Butt-Head please don’t PROCREATE..
Wish their parents didn’t PROCREATE.
Exactly why you carry
This is the most Southern Maryland headline.