PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — A simple traffic stop for a broken headlight in Calvert County escalated into a felony drug arrest for a Bowie man on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025. The Calvert County traffic stop case unfolded after a deputy reported the driver making aggressive movements inside his car, leading to a search that allegedly uncovered 44 grams of a suspected narcotic, a scale, and over $3,000 in cash.
The incident began at approximately 9:58 p.m. According to charging documents, a Calvert County sheriff’s deputy observed a Volkswagen operating with an inoperable headlight and tag light. As the driver, later identified as David James Cabrera, 30, of Bowie, passed the cruiser, he allegedly jerked his head toward the deputy with his “eyes wide open.”
The deputy initiated a traffic stop. While pulling over, Cabrera allegedly made such aggressive movements toward the floorboard and center console that he nearly struck a guardrail. When the deputy approached, charging documents describe Cabrera as talking erratically, breathing heavily and sweating profusely.
Charging documents state that due to the driver’s movements, deputies searched the immediate area around his seat. The search allegedly yielded a bag with about 44 grams of a white powdery substance on the floorboard, a pipe in the center console and a digital scale with suspected crack cocaine residue inside a bookbag in the back seat. In addition, officers reported finding $3,300 in U.S. currency on Cabrera’s person.
Cabrera was arrested and charged with felony possession with intent to distribute, as well as several misdemeanors, including possession of paraphernalia and possessing contraband in a place of confinement. Under Maryland law, the felony distribution charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
Following an initial hold, Judge Patrick R. Duley ordered Cabrera released on his own recognizance on August 14, 2025. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 12, 2025.
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