LEXINGTON PARK, Md. – What began as a response to reports of gunfire in Lexington Park escalated into a dramatic high-speed chase and the arrest of Zuri Kali Harrison, 22, of Great Mills. Harrison is now facing a litany of charges, including possession with intent to distribute narcotics, following the discovery of fentanyl and additional evidence tied to illegal drug activity.
Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department responded to the Westbury and Suburban Estates neighborhoods on December 19, 2024, after residents reported hearing gunfire in the area. Arriving officers heard shots coming from Great Mills Road and spotted a black Toyota Venza speeding out of Suburban Estates. Despite signaling the vehicle to stop, the driver fled at a high rate of speed, triggering a pursuit.
The chase ended abruptly when the vehicle crashed onto the Dollar General property on Three Notch Road. Multiple occupants bolted from the vehicle, but deputies apprehended Harrison nearby. During the arrest, officers found a cylindrical vial containing four and a half white tablets and a small blue tablet in Harrison’s possession. When questioned, Harrison described the items as his “prescription.”
Further investigation and analysis at the Maryland State Police laboratory identified the blue tablet as fentanyl, a powerful and highly addictive opioid classified as a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. The white tablets did not contain CDS but were retained for further investigation into their origins.
Court documents filed in the District Court for St. Mary’s County detail Harrison’s charges, which include possession with intent to distribute narcotics under Maryland Criminal Law § 5-602, a felony. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Harrison also faces multiple misdemeanor charges for CDS possession under § 5-601(a)(1), each carrying up to one year in jail and fines of up to $5,000 per count. Additional charges for drug paraphernalia possession under § 5-619(c) could add another year in jail per count, as well as fines.
Harrison’s initial appearance was held on December 19, 2024, during which he was ordered held without bond. A subsequent bond review hearing was conducted on December 20, 2024, before Judge Robert B. Riddle, who maintained the hold. Preliminary hearings originally scheduled for January 16, 2025, were later waived. Harrison’s case is now pending trial, with a court date yet to be finalized.
St. Mary’s County law enforcement emphasizes that community cooperation is vital in addressing the region’s escalating opioid crisis.
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Great Job LEO’s. Now Jaymi Sterling and your very capable staff, its your turn to protect the law-abiding citizens. Judge’s its your job to ensure a fair trial. Fair for the accused and fair for the law-abiding citizens. When/if the accused is found guilty, the sentence will reflect your commitment to justice for all.