Lexington Park Man Arrested For Driving With .16 BAC And Concealed Loaded Handgun With Multiple Loaded Magazines

GREAT MILLS, Md. — Multiple reports of a traffic accident quickly turned into a criminal investigation after a Lexington Park man reportedly struck a fence, fled the scene, and was later found with a loaded handgun in his vehicle.

On Jan. 4, 2025, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) received multiple calls reporting a truck that crossed the center line and struck a fence near the intersection of Chancellors Run Road and Belvoir Road in Great Mills. Witnesses told dispatchers the vehicle then left the scene and continued traveling on Chancellors Run Road toward Great Mills Road.

Officers arriving at the scene recovered several pieces of a red vehicle believed to be involved in the accident. Police later located a red pickup truck with heavy front-end damage matching the description and registration provided by witnesses.

According to charging documents, the driver, identified as Joseph Marcel Vigneault, 54, of Lexington Park, was contacted at the intersection of Midway Drive and Weeping Willow Lane. Officers reported detecting a strong odor of alcohol allegedly emanating from Vigneault. Vigneault allegedly admitted involvement in a crash but could not recall the road where it occurred. He also reportedly stated that he possessed a carry permit and that a handgun was in the vehicle. According to police, Vigneault also allegedly admitted to consuming approximately six to seven beers before the incident.

Police reports show officers observed slurred speech and noted that Vigneault again admitted to consuming approximately six to seven beers. Vigneault allegedly agreed to perform a standardized field sobriety test; only the horizontal gaze nystagmus test was conducted due to medical conditions, which he reportedly failed.

Following his arrest, police report a search of Vigneault’s vehicle revealed a reported open beer in the center console and an open case of beer in the passenger floorboard, with several beers missing. Also recovered, according to police, was a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun in a backpack on the passenger side, loaded with a magazine and accompanied by several additional loaded magazines. Police also reported locating the lower receiver of an AR-15 rifle behind the driver’s seat.

Vigneault was transported to SMCSO and submitted to an Intoximeter test, which reportedly showed a blood alcohol content of 0.16%. He was subsequently taken to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center.

Court records state Vigneault has been charged with handgun wear under the influence. He was released on recognizance on Jan. 5, 2026, and a trial is scheduled for Feb. 26, 2026.

Under Maryland law, wearing or carrying a handgun while under the influence of alcohol is a misdemeanor offense. The maximum penalty includes up to three years of incarceration and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

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