Brake Light Bust: Pennsylvania Man Charged With Ammo And Crack In Indian Head

INDIAN HEAD, Md. — A Pennsylvania man is facing drug and ammunition charges after a traffic stop in Indian Head led to the discovery of suspected crack cocaine and multiple rounds of ammunition inside his vehicle, according to court documents.

Christopher Lee Jenkins, 44, of Hanover, Pennsylvania, was arrested Feb. 8, 2026 and charged with illegal possession of ammunition and possession of a controlled dangerous substance not cannabis.

According to a statement of probable cause, a Charles County Sheriff’s Office deputy was patrolling Indian Head Highway near Cedar Lane when he observed a gray Toyota Tacoma fail to show its driver’s side brake light while braking. The deputy initiated a traffic stop, at which point the vehicle accelerated before turning into the parking lot of the Red Carpet Inn on Indian Head Highway.

The driver, later identified as Jenkins, was described as making quick and jerky movements inside the vehicle. During the interaction, the deputy detected an odor consistent with burnt crack cocaine emanating from the vehicle and observed copper wool strands on the driver’s side floorboard, which officers say are commonly used in makeshift smoking devices.

Jenkins was asked to exit the vehicle and was placed in handcuffs. A front-seat passenger was also removed from the vehicle but was not charged in the incident.

During a search of the Tacoma, deputies recovered eight live 7mm Remington Magnum rounds scattered throughout the vehicle. Investigators also located three small plastic containers, often referred to as “trash cans,” in the driver’s door compartment. Officers reported finding a white rock-like substance inside the center console and observed glass shards and burn marks consistent with crack cocaine use.

A field test conducted on the substance yielded a positive result for crack cocaine. Authorities estimated the recovered crack cocaine weighed approximately 1 gram, with a street value of about $20.

Investigators confirmed through the Maryland State Police Gun Center that Jenkins is prohibited from possessing ammunition due to prior convictions and being the respondent in a final protective order prohibiting firearm possession.

Jenkins was also found to be driving without a valid driver’s license.

He was transported to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center and initially held without bond. Following a bail review hearing on Feb. 10 before Judge Nathan Braverman in Charles County District Court, Jenkins remains held without bond.

A trial officer scheduling hearing is set for March 27, 2026, in Charles County District Court.

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