by Patrol Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.

During proactive traffic patrol in Lexington Park, Deputy Joseph Senatore witnessed a Ford Taurus fail to stop as required by a traffic control device. A traffic stop was initiated at Great Mills Road near North Essex Drive. During the traffic stop, deputies observed the operator pass an item to a passenger in the vehicle, who then attempted to conceal the item. The operator, identified as James Errick Barnes, was found to be unlicensed, and the vehicle was unregistered.  A subsequent search of the vehicle by Cpl. Lacey. Smith and K9 Kyra revealed narcotics and a brass knuckle knife. 

Barnes was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center and charged with concealment of a dangerous weapon, CDS: Possession Not Cannabis, and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia. Barnes was also issued traffic citations for 12 related violations of Maryland Vehicle Law.