Reckless Driver: Harwood Man Charged With DUI And Illegal Firearms Possession In Calvert County

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — A Harwood man faces firearms, ammunition and impaired driving charges following a March 17, 2026, traffic investigation in Calvert County, according to court records.

Donald Edward Johnson, 64, of Harwood, was charged after Maryland State Police responded to a reported traffic complaint near a grocery store in Prince Frederick.

Troopers were initially called after a report of a red Ford F-350 driving erratically and possibly under the influence. Police later located the vehicle parked outside a convenience store on Market Square Drive.

According to charging documents, Johnson was found seated in the driver’s seat with the engine running. Investigators reported a strong odor of alcohol and another chemical substance coming from both the vehicle and Johnson. Authorities also noted signs of impairment, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and difficulty maintaining focus.

Police said Johnson performed standardized field sobriety tests, showing multiple signs of impairment, and refused a preliminary breath test. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and driving while impaired by alcohol and drugs.

During the investigation, officers learned there was a rifle and shotgun inside the vehicle. A records check showed Johnson was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior mental health-related disqualification, police said.

A search of the vehicle uncovered a .22 caliber rifle with ammunition, a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with shells, and additional ammunition. Troopers also recovered cigarettes suspected to contain a controlled dangerous substance, which were submitted for forensic testing.

Johnson was charged with two counts of possession of a rifle or shotgun by a disqualified person, illegal possession of ammunition, and multiple traffic offenses, including DUI, driving while impaired, negligent driving and reckless driving.

He was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and later released on his own recognizance.

A trial is scheduled for April 23, 2026, in Calvert District Court.

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