Man Accused Of Kicking In Bar Door, Found Driving Drunk After Disturbance At Lucy’s Bar & Grille

WALDORF, Md. — A Waldorf man is facing criminal and traffic-related charges after authorities say he damaged a local bar and was later found to be driving under the influence.

Brandon Christopher Lopez Tay, 24, of Waldorf, Maryland, was arrested on April 17, 2026, following an incident at Lucy’s Bar & Grille on Ponds Market Place, according to court documents.

Deputies responded around 8:11 p.m. for a report of destruction of property. Dispatch advised that the suspect had fled the scene in a gray pickup truck prior to officers arriving.

According to the statement of probable cause, witnesses told investigators Tay had been removed from the bar following a disturbance. While leaving, he allegedly entered a bathroom and ripped a paper towel holder off the wall before exiting the building.

Authorities say Tay then kicked in the front door of the business, causing significant damage before leaving the area.

Deputies later encountered Tay after he returned to the scene in the same vehicle.

During the investigation, officers reported Tay showed signs of impairment, including red, watery eyes, slurred speech, and a strong odor of alcohol. Field sobriety tests indicated multiple signs of impairment, according to investigators.

Authorities determined Tay was under the influence of alcohol and placed him under arrest.

He is charged criminally with malicious destruction of property valued under $1,000. In addition, traffic charges include driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol, and violating license restrictions. The traffic stop occurred at the same location on Ponds Market Place, according to charging records.

Court records show Tay was released on his own recognizance following his arrest.

Under Maryland law, malicious destruction of property under $1,000 is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. Driving under the influence carries a potential penalty of up to one year in jail for a first offense, while driving while impaired carries up to two months.

A hearing is set for June 17, 2026 in Charles District Court.

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