Man Discards Rifle Out Of Passenger Window During High-Stakes Police Pursuit In Lexington Park

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A late-night response to reports of gunfire escalated into a police pursuit and felony arrest after deputies say a man allegedly attempted to flee and discarded a rifle from his vehicle while being pursued by law enforcement.

Authorities with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office report that Vanecleus Quntya Alexander, 37, of Lexington Park, is facing multiple firearm- and traffic-related charges after deputies responded to gunshot reports near Nicolet Park.

According to charging documents, the incident occurred on March 9, 2026, when deputies with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were on patrol and reportedly heard multiple gunshots in the area of Nicolet Park in Lexington Park.

Deputies began canvassing the surrounding area and located a stationary vehicle parked near Bunker Hill Road, where calls had also been received reporting gunfire in that specific area. Inside the vehicle, deputies observed Vanecleus Quntya Alexander seated in the driver’s seat.

Authorities noted that the passenger-side window of the vehicle had been shattered, and deputies observed an unidentified individual walking away from the vehicle as they approached.

According to the report, Alexander abruptly drove away from the scene as deputies approached. Law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop; however, Alexander allegedly failed to stop and attempted to evade police.

During the pursuit, deputies reported observing Alexander allegedly discard a firearm out of the passenger-side window while fleeing.

Police reports indicate deputies later recovered the firearm, which authorities identified as an Alpha Maxx AT1 AR short-barreled rifle equipped with an extended 60-round magazine. According to investigators, the rifle contained six rounds in the magazine and no round in the chamber.

Law enforcement subsequently conducted a felony traffic stop, and Alexander was taken into custody without further incident. During an interview with Alexander, deputies stated they detected the odor of alcoholic beverages emitting from his person and also observed bloodshot, glassy eyes and slurred speech. Authorities report that Alexander allegedly refused to answer questions or identify himself but was later positively identified using an identification card.

According to police documents, while canvassing the area where Alexander’s vehicle had initially been parked, deputies reported locating 23 spent .223-caliber shell casings on the ground.

Investigators stated in charging documents that Alexander is prohibited from possessing firearms due to two prior felony convictions in Mississippi.

Alexander has been charged with multiple offenses, including loaded handgun on person, handgun on person, loaded handgun in a vehicle, handgun in a vehicle, firearm possession by a prohibited person due to a prior violent felony conviction, illegal possession of ammunition, illegal possession of a regulated firearm, reckless endangerment, and twelve additional traffic-related offenses.

Following his arrest, Alexander was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, where he is being held without bond. Alexander is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on April 10, 2026, in the St. Mary’s County District Court located in Leonardtown, Maryland.

Under Maryland law, illegal possession of a regulated firearm by a prohibited person carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000, while reckless endangerment is punishable by up to five years of incarceration and/or a $5,000 fine.

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