On Monday, March 9, at approximately 9:30 p.m., deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office heard gunfire while conducting proactive patrol operations in the Lexington Park area and immediately responded to Bunker Hill Drive.
Upon arrival, deputies located a red Chevrolet Equinox with the passenger-side window broken out. Deputies attempted to speak with the driver; however, the driver fled the area, and deputies pursued.
During the pursuit, deputies observed the driver throw an object from the vehicle. The item was recovered and identified as a loaded .223-caliber, semi-automatic short-barreled rifle (SBR) with a high-capacity magazine.
Deputies continued the pursuit until the driver stopped the SUV in front of a residence, where he was taken into custody without further incident.
During the investigation, deputies located several .223-caliber shell casings on Bunker Hill Drive. No injuries were reported.
The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as Vanecleus Quntya Alexander, 38, of Lexington Park. Alexander was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown and charged with eight counts, including:
- Wear/carry/transport a loaded handgun on their person
- Wear/carry/transport a handgun on person
- Wear/carry/knowingly transport a loaded handgun in a vehicle on public roads
- Wear/carry/knowingly transport a handgun in a vehicle on public roads
- Possession of a regulated firearm after having been convicted of a felony
- Possession of ammunition after being prohibited
- Knowingly possessing a regulated firearm after being convicted of a disqualifying crime
- Reckless endangerment
The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Deputy First Class Preston Dixon at 301-475-4200, ext. 8168, or by email at Preston.Dixon@stmaryscountymd.gov.
Tipsters can also submit tips anonymously:
- Text 847411: start your message with “SMCSO”, add a space, and then your tip.
- Online: Submit a tip through the Sheriff’s Office website at www.FirstSheriff.com/tips.
- App: Send a tip directly through the SMCSO app. Download the free app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Phone: For those who prefer to make a phone call, tips can also be shared through the Crime Solvers line at 301-475-3333.
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