LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 6, 2026) – A 17-year-old male from Lexington Park was arrested Tuesday evening following a vehicle pursuit in California during which deputies recovered two loaded firearms, including a rifle and a handgun with an altered serial number.
On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at approximately 9:38 p.m., a deputy with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office observed a Mitsubishi Mirage cross the double yellow center lines while traveling southbound on Route 4 near Kingston Creek Road in California.
The deputy continued to observe the vehicle as it entered the parking lot of a closed business in the Laurel Glen Shopping Center. A second vehicle entered the lot, and the deputy observed what appeared to be a suspected drug transaction.
Additional deputies responded to the area and attempted to contact the driver of the Mitsubishi. As deputies approached, the vehicle began to drive away. Deputies activated emergency equipment and initiated a traffic stop.
The vehicle stopped briefly, and the driver exited. However, the front-seat passenger moved into the driver’s seat and fled the area in the vehicle.
Deputies initiated a pursuit during which the suspect failed to stop at multiple stop signs, drove at a high rate of speed through the Hickory Hills Shopping Center, and drove through plastic barricades near citizens who were present in the area. No injuries were reported.
The pursuit continued onto Chancellor’s Run Road, where the suspect lost control of the vehicle and crashed at the intersection of Military Lane. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
During the investigation, deputies observed an AR-15-style semi-automatic rifle on the floorboard of the vehicle. The firearm was loaded with 30 rounds in the magazine.
A further search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a Taurus 9mm handgun containing one round in the chamber and 11 rounds in the magazine. Deputies also observed signs of attempted obliteration of the handgun’s serial number.
The juvenile suspect was arrested and charged as an adult with multiple offenses, including:
- Knowingly transporting a handgun in a vehicle on public roads
- Knowingly transporting a loaded handgun in a vehicle on public roads
- Wear, carry, or transport of a handgun on a person
- Wear, carry, or transport of a loaded handgun on a person
- Two counts of possession of a regulated firearm while under 21 years of age
- Knowingly obliterating, altering, changing, or removing a firearm manufacturer’s identification mark
- Motor vehicle theft
- Theft valued between $1,500 and $25,000
Following his arrest, the suspect was transported to an area hospital for precautionary measures, where he was treated and released, and is currently being held at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center on a no-bond status.
Due to legal protection, juveniles are not publicly identified by law enforcement.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges for traffic-related offenses are anticipated.
Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division have assumed the case. Detective Michael Labanowski is the lead investigator. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact him at 301-475-4200, ext. 8033, or by email at Michael.Labanowski@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.
With Crime Solvers, you never have to give your name. You may be eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.
