UPDATE 7/22/2022:On October 30, 2020, at 9 p.m., officers responded to the business, Room 301 Lounge, located at 2177 Crain Highway in Waldorf, for the report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they located four people with gunshot wounds. The individuals were transported to area hospitals for treatment, where one person died due to the gunfire.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the motorcycle club Chosen Few members were attending a birthday party at the Lounge when a large group from the Wheels of Soul Motorcycle Club came to the establishment to start a fight. An altercation ensued inside the establishment, during which numerous shots were fired – two people from Chosen Few and two people from Wheels of Soul were struck. Dontrell Lowell Watson, 34, of Upper Marlboro, a prospective member of Wheels of Soul, was pronounced deceased.
CCSO detectives worked with the Agency’s Community Services Section, Narcotics Enforcement Section, Patrol Operations, Judicial Services, and the Emergency Services Team throughout the investigation. Investigators pursued multiple leads and canvassed numerous locations during this intensive investigation.
In addition, detectives worked with law enforcement partners from the region, including the United States Marshals Service Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, Prince George’s County Police, Maryland State Police, Fairfax County Police, Prince William County Police Department’s Gang Unit, and the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office. During their collaboration, numerous search warrants were served, leading to the recovery of more than 40 firearms and three stolen handguns.
As a result of the investigation, a Charles County Grand Jury issued twenty-one indictments related to this case. Between June 29, 2022, and July 13, with coordination from the U.S. Marshals Service, all twenty-one suspects – each a Wheels of Soul or an affiliate member– were located and charged.
Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry said, “The collaboration between all agencies from across the region and within our own Agency and the State’s Attorney’s Office was crucial in bringing this case before a Grand Jury. This was a complex investigation from the beginning; however, detectives and support staff worked methodically through all of the evidence. I commend everyone who assisted and worked tirelessly so that justice can be pursued.”
Johnny L. Hughes, U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland, stated, “The investigation and associated arrests is a premier example of the outstanding work and ongoing partnerships with the Charles, Calvert, and Saint Mary’s County Sheriff’s Offices and our municipal, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies working together and bringing to justice those responsible for violence in our communities.”
Wheels of Soul and Chosen Few are both nationwide clubs. Wheels of Soul was formed in 1967 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Chosen Few was formed in 1960 in Los Angles, California. Both clubs have members who also identify as 1% or Outlaw, meaning they do not follow the laws of everyday society.
All of the suspects were charged with first-degree assault, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, and use of a firearm during a violent crime. Below is a list of the names of the suspects and the chapters of the club in which they associated:
1. Eric Gerard Davis, 32, of Fort Washington (Unseen Kingz)
2. Kentrel Jerome Dorsey, 33, of Front Royal (Virginia Chapter)
3. Shawn Everett Fleming, 32, of Centerville (Virginia Chapter)
4. Craig Anthony Freeland, 32, of Woodbridge (Virginia Chapter)
5. Charles Wilbur Hines, III, 39, of Stafford (Virginia Chapter)
6. Michael Anthony Johnson, 49, no fixed address (Virginia Chapter)
7. Irvin Sydney Laurendine, 25, of Spotsylvania (Virginia Chapter)
8. Nathaniel Francis Leigh, 35, of Port Tobacco (Washington, D.C. Chapter, Vice President)
9. Roger William Long, 37, of Woodbridge (Virginia Chapter)
10. Darryl Scott McKeithan, 32, of Accokeek (Washington, D.C. Chapter)
11. Brantley Jerard Myers, 44, of Stafford (Washington, D.C.)
12. Norman Ray Nelson, 58, of Parkville (Southern Maryland Chapter, Secretary)
13. David Anthony Pharr, 50, of Waldorf (Washington, D.C., Sgt. at Arms)
14. Gregory Thomas Pomelear, 46, of Severn (Southern Maryland Chapter, Vice President)
15. Dionte Dewayne Rodgers, 32, of Manassas (Virginia Chapter)
16. Aurelio Salvador, 37, of Beltsville (Washington, D.C.)
17. Courney Dawaun Scott, 37, of Lusby (Southern Maryland Chapter)
18. Jason Morse Smith, 45, of Temple Hills (Washington, D.C. Chapter, President)
19. Albert Douglas Venson, Jr., 60, of Upper Marlboro (Washington, D.C.)
20. Delonte Brandon Weir, 35, of Waldorf (Washington, D.C. Chapter, Business Manager)
21. Aaron Donald Jerrell Wilson, 36, of Middle River (Baltimore Chapter, Sgt. at Arms)
One of the suspects, Darryl McKeithan, is being held in a detention center outside of Charles County. Shawn Fleming is being held at the Charles County Detention Center without bond. A judge has released the 19 other suspects.
The following law enforcement agencies assisted with this investigation:
- United States Marshals Service
- Charles County Sheriff Officers assigned to the U.S. Marshals Task Force
- Maryland State Police
- Prince George’s County Police Department
- Calvert County Sheriff’s Office
- Saint Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office
- Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives
- Baltimore County Police Department
- Baltimore City Police Department
- Prince William County Police Department
- Fairfax County Police Department
- Stafford County Sheriff’s Office
- Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office
UPDATE 10/31/2020 @ 3:50 p.m.: via CCSO: On October 30 at 9 p.m., officers responded to Room 301 Lounge / Bar located at 2175 Crain Highway in Waldorf for the report of a shooting.
When officers arrived, they found four people had been shot. The victims were transported to area hospitals where one victim, Dontrell Lowell Watson, 34, of Upper Marlboro, was pronounced deceased. Of the remaining three victims, one is in critical condition and the other two are in serious condition.
A preliminary investigation indicated the shooting was the result of a dispute between two groups of people.
Detectives are working leads and ask anyone with additional information to call Detective R. Johnson at (301) 609-6453.
Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. The investigation is ongoing
Update October 31, at 5 a.m.: One male victim has died from injuries. Three other victims have serious injuries that don’t appear to be life-threatening. The shooting occurred during an altercation between two groups of people.
UPDATE 9:38 p.m.; Crain Highway in the area of the shooting is currently closed.
We are working with the PIO of Charles County Sheriff’s Office to ascertain the exact location of the shooting. The call address and business listed at the address do not match. The headline has been changed to reflect this.
UPDATE 9:19 p.m. : A second MEDEVAC has been requested for two more patients.
Waldorf, MD- At 9:03 p.m., a 9-1-1 call came in for shooting at Big Mouth Liquors on Crain Highway in Waldorf, MD. At this time there are believed to be four victims with gunshot wounds.
A MEDEVAC has been launched with CPR in progress for at least one patient.
This is a developing story.