EASTON, MD— An Eastern Shore woman is celebrating an unexpected $500,000 win after playing the 2nd edition of the $500,000 Crossword scratch-off game. A longtime fan of crossword-themed lottery games, the Easton resident initially believed she had won a smaller prize, only to be shocked by the actual amount.
The surprising win happened about three weeks ago when the lucky player visited J&K Wine and Liquors in Easton specifically to purchase her favorite scratch-offs. She bought one $20 $500,000 Crossword ticket and one $20 Win $100, $200, or $500 ticket, both games she regularly enjoys. Preferring to play at home, she waited until she could relax in front of the TV to scratch off her tickets.
“I like that you have to use your brain to play the crossword games,” she shared with Lottery officials.
As she scratched off the $500,000 Crossword ticket, the woman noticed she was uncovering enough words to win a $10,000 prize. But the real surprise came when she revealed a “50X” multiplier symbol in the third puzzle’s multiplier box. Unsure of the exact prize, she scanned the ticket on her phone and was stunned to see a $500,000 prize staring back at her.
“I was so surprised that I dropped my phone,” she said, recalling the moment. “I had to scan that ticket about five more times before it sank in.”
The winner, who works in the service industry, shared the exciting news with a few close family members, including her cousin, who joined her to claim the prize at Lottery headquarters this week. “I just hollered when she told me,” her cousin recounted.
To keep her winning ticket safe, the cautious player sealed it in a plastic bag and stored it in a safe until she was ready to claim her prize. Grateful for her windfall, she plans to invest her winnings into a retirement fund.
The retailer, J&K Wine and Liquors located at 2 East Avenue in Easton, will also benefit from the win. The store will receive a $1,000 bonus from the Maryland Lottery for selling the top-prize winning ticket.
Maryland Man Arrested for Assaulting EMTs at Phish Mondegreen Festival
DOVER, Del. — Delaware State Police arrested a 26-year-old Maryland man on charges of assault and offensive touching after an incident at the Phish Mondegreen Festival in Dover. The man, identified as William Urspruch of Chestertown, Maryland, allegedly assaulted two emergency medical technicians (EMTs) while they were attempting to provide medical care.
The incident occurred on August 16, 2024, at approximately 10:30 p.m., when on-duty troopers at the festival were alerted to Urspruch’s erratic behavior, believed to be influenced by intoxication. As medical personnel attempted to assist him, Urspruch reportedly punched one EMT and bit another, causing minor injuries.
Following the assault, Urspruch was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. After his release from the hospital, he was taken into custody and brought to Troop 3, where he was formally charged. Urspruch was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released after posting a $3,000 secured bond.
The EMTs involved sustained minor injuries and were able to continue their duties.
Frederick Man Denied Bond in Murder Case, Remains in CustodyFREDERICK, Md. — A Frederick man accused of first and second degree murder has been denied bond and will remain in custody at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center. The decision was made by The Honorable Earl W. Bartgis, Jr. in Frederick County District Court on Monday.
The suspect, 22-year-old Elijah Stephen Mboss, was apprehended on August 16, 2024, after Frederick Police responded to a report of a possible shooting at 1000 Heather Ridge Drive. Officers intercepted a fleeing white Acura and discovered Mboss inside, covered in blood and in possession of a semi-automatic handgun and knife.
The victim, identified as Tristen Mahorney, was found at the scene with multiple penetrating wounds and was later pronounced dead at Frederick Health Hospital. Investigators determined that an altercation between Mboss and Mahorney at the Country Hill Apartments led to the fatal encounter.
The investigation is ongoing, according to authorities.
Maryland State Police Investigate Attempted Robbery of Flower Vendor in Silver SpringSILVER SPRING, Md. — Maryland State Police are investigating an attempted robbery and assault of a 64-year-old flower vendor in Montgomery County on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred shortly after 3 p.m. on the exit ramp from Interstate 495 East to Route 650 South.
According to the Maryland State Police, the victim was selling flowers along the roadside when the occupants of an SUV, stopped in traffic, called her over under the pretense of purchasing flowers. As she approached the vehicle, one of the occupants reportedly grabbed her purse. The driver then accelerated, dragging the victim briefly before she fell, still holding onto her purse.
The woman was transported to Holy Cross Hospital, where she was treated for her injuries and later released. Police describe the SUV as a darker-colored vehicle with District of Columbia license plates, occupied by at least two Black males, one of whom was wearing a ski mask.
The vehicle was last seen heading southbound on Route 650. A "Be On the Lookout" (BOLO) alert has been issued to the Montgomery County Police Department and the Washington Metropolitan Police Department as authorities continue their investigation.
