Leonardtown Man Charged After 102 MPH Traffic Stop Leads To Discovery Of Loaded Handgun

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — St. Mary’s County sheriff’s deputies said they clocked a vehicle at more than double the speed limit and later recovered a fully loaded handgun from the car, leading to handgun-related charges and the suspect being held without bond, according to law enforcement records.

Michael Anthony Brown Jr., 43, of Leonardtown, is being held without bond and has been charged with one count of loaded handgun in a vehicle and one count of handgun in a vehicle stemming from a Dec. 13, 2025, incident, authorities said.

According to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO), deputies were patrolling Three Notch Road when they observed a dark-colored sedan traveling at a high rate of speed. Police reported the vehicle was allegedly clocked at 102 miles per hour in a posted 50-mile-per-hour zone. Deputies initiated a traffic stop without incident.

Police records state that during the stop, deputies observed Brown exhibiting glassy eyes and detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage, according to law enforcement. Deputies administered standardized field sobriety tests, which Brown reportedly did not complete satisfactorily. He was subsequently placed under arrest, police said.

Following the arrest, deputies conducted a search of the vehicle. According to police, a 5.7-caliber handgun was allegedly located inside the glove compartment. The firearm was reported to be fully loaded with 23 rounds of ammunition at the time it was recovered.

Under Maryland law, transporting a loaded handgun in a vehicle without complying with statutory requirements is a misdemeanor offense that carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500 for a first offense, if convicted.

Brown remains held without bond pending his next court appearance, according to court records.

A trial for officer scheduling is scheduled for February 3, 2026, in St. Mary’s District Court.

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