Gun & Drug Arrest Made Near Elementary School During School Hours

    Officers with the Seat Pleasant Police Department arrest 22-year-old Kemani Rhodes of District Heights, Maryland, for illegal possession of a gun, possession of large amounts of Marijuana, and possession of Crack Cocaine. Mr. Rhodes was prohibited from possessing a firearm during his arrest. 

    On May 11, 2023, at around 2:00 p.m., officers observed Mr. Rhodes covering his face with a black ski mask and positioning a gun in his waist at a neighborhood playground. Officers attempted to talk to Mr. Rhodes when he immediately began running. While running, officers observed Mr. Rhodes throw a bookbag into a grassy area, remove a gun from his waist, and toss it onto the roof of a building just feet away from the Seat Pleasant Elementary School. After a foot pursuit, officers were able to place Mr. Rhodes under arrest without further incident. 

    Over 300 grams of Marijuana and 9 grams of Crack Cocaine, all separated into individual baggies, were recovered from the bookbag. Officers then recovered a loaded revolver gun from the roof of the Seat Pleasant Activity Center, less than 20 feet from the Seat Pleasant Elementary School, while the school was preparing for dismissal. 

     Mr. Rhodes is prohibited from possessing firearms due to having a prior gun arrest and three active final protective orders against him, including an extreme risk protective order. 

    Due to the officers' quick actions, Mr. Rhodes was arrested before the Seat Pleasant Elementary School was dismissed. 

    The Seat Pleasant Police Department wants to remind the community that if you see suspicious activity, call 9-1-1. You can also submit anonymous tips by calling 1-866-411-TIPS or by visiting www.pgcrimesolvers.com

Seat Pleasant Police Officers Assist in Delivering Twin Girls

    Officers with the Seat Pleasant Police Department located a woman who was in distress along a busy highway, resulting in the birth of healthy twin girls. 

    On May 13, 2022, at around 2:30 a.m., Sergeant Singleton and Officer Griffith observed a woman walking along East Capitol Street in the City of Seat Pleasant carrying a child during the early morning rainstorm. The officers' concern for the woman and child increased when they observed her standing alone behind a shopping center. It was determined that the woman was carrying an infant and had no home to take shelter. While officers were speaking with the woman, they could tell that she may have been suffering from a mental health crisis. 

    The officers convinced the woman to be taken to a nearby shelter, and the woman agreed. When they arrived at the shelter, Sergeant Singleton noticed that the woman was uncomfortable and in pain. As Sergeant Singleton checked on the woman, she noticed that the woman was in the process of giving birth to a second child in the police cruiser. Officers immediately called for help and assisted in delivering a healthy baby. The mom and both babies were taken to an area hospital, where they are now safe, resting, and in good health! 

    Officers confirmed with doctors that the infant the woman was carrying was born soon before the officers located the woman. 

    As Mental Health Awareness Month continues, the Seat Pleasant Police Department wants to remind the community that if they are ever in need, help is always available. You can call (301) 429-2185, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to seek assistance

Seat Pleasant Police Department Makes History with Four Female Police Officers

     For the first time in history, the Seat Pleasant Police Department has four female police officers on duty. This is a notable feat for the City of Seat Pleasant, especially in a profession where women are underrepresented. The department is proud to currently have these officers/recruit officers with the team to include Sergeant Lela Singleton, Officer Andrea Durant-Smith, Recruit Jasmine Chase, and Recruit Edwine Toussaint. All four of these women are currently at different phases of their careers with varying perspectives. 

    Sergeant Singleton started with the Seat Pleasant Police Department in November 2021, but has been a police officer for nearly two decades. Sergeant Singleton is a longtime resident of Prince George's County. As an African American woman in law enforcement, she makes it her mission to make sure her community is safe. She has accomplished a lot in her career, including training officers and attending leadership and investigations school. She is a role model for other officers, especially women. 

    This is an important milestone for the department, and we would like to invite members of the media to join us on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, for an interview with Chief Martin, Sergeant Singleton, Officer Durant-Smith, Recruit Chase, and Recruit Toussaint. Included with the interview will be an opportunity to ride along with Sergeant Singleton in her police vehicle and access to still photos and video of highlights throughout her career. 

For more information, contact PIO Nicholas Griffith at (240) 585-0600.

 Who: Chief Devan Martin, Sergeant Lela Singleton, Officer Andrea Durant-Smith, Recruit Jasmine Chase, and Recruit Edwine Toussaint 

When: Wednesday, March 23, 2022 Time: 12:00 p.m.

 Where: Seat Pleasant Police Department Headquarters - 6011 Addison Road Seat Pleasant, Maryland 20743