DUI And Dust: Waldorf Man Arrested After Cocaine Falls During Traffic Stop

WALDORF, Md. — A Waldorf man was arrested after a late-night traffic stop in Waldorf led to the discovery of suspected cocaine and multiple driving-related offenses, according to court documents.

John Rumeal Kelly, 24, of Waldorf, is charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance not cannabis following the March 10, 2026 incident in Charles County.

According to the statement of probable cause, a Maryland State Police trooper was conducting routine patrol shortly before midnight when a Chevrolet Tahoe traveling on Crain Highway near VFW Road passed at a high rate of speed, well above the posted 45-mph limit. The trooper activated emergency lights and sirens and accelerated to catch up to the vehicle before initiating a traffic stop.

The vehicle eventually pulled over, and the trooper observed the driver making movements inside the vehicle as if he were shuffling items around before being instructed to place his arms outside the window. Kelly was identified as the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle.

While speaking with Kelly, the trooper reported detecting a strong odor of alcohol coming from his breath. Authorities said Kelly’s speech appeared slurred and his eyes looked glassy. When asked for his driver’s license, Kelly reportedly fumbled through paperwork before providing the document.

Kelly exited the vehicle and told the trooper he had not consumed alcohol. Based on the officer’s observations, Kelly was asked to complete standardized field sobriety tests. During the tests, investigators reported signs of impairment, including lack of smooth eye movement and balance issues while performing walking and standing exercises.

Authorities said Kelly lost balance during the walk-and-turn test and struggled to maintain balance during the one-leg stand test.

After Kelly was taken into custody and placed in the patrol vehicle, officers observed a white powdery substance falling from his pocket. A small torn plastic bag containing a white powder was later recovered and tested positive for cocaine, according to the report.

Kelly was advised of his rights and refused to submit to a chemical breath test, investigators said. He was transported to the Charles County Detention Center, where he was processed on the possession charge.

Court records show Kelly was released on his own recognizance following his arrest. A trial is set for April 28, 2026, in Charles County District Court in La Plata.

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