Screaming And Naked: Disorderly Conduct Call Escalates Into Drug Arrest In Lexington Park

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — What began as a report of a disorderly woman in the roadway along a busy St. Mary’s County thoroughfare escalated into a scene involving alleged intoxication, public disturbance, indecent exposure and multiple controlled dangerous substance charges. Maryland State Police say a Leonardtown woman was found screaming, crying, and struggling to stand in traffic while holding a dog’s leash—an incident that resulted in her arrest and several criminal charges stemming from events on Three Notch Road in Lexington Park.

According to police reports, on Jan. 11, 2026, at approximately 5:05 p.m., troopers with the Maryland State Police responded to a call for service regarding a disorderly female in the area of Three Notch Road and Wheeler Road. Upon arrival, troopers located a woman standing in the middle of Wheeler Road, yelling and crying, while having difficulty maintaining her balance. Police reported the woman appeared visibly intoxicated and was speaking incoherently.

Police statements show that when asked for her name, the woman identified herself as “Heather,” according to charging documents. She allegedly directed troopers to a black backpack lying in the roadway, indicating it belonged to her. Police attempted to locate identification inside the backpack and, according to court documents, allegedly discovered several glass smoking devices commonly associated with the use of controlled dangerous substances.

Police reports show the woman was subsequently identified as Heather Marie Garner, 37, of Leonardtown. Police allege that during the encounter, Garner removed her shirt and pulled down her pants, exposing herself in public while continuing to yell and scream. Troopers reported that she remained uncooperative, continued screaming, and allegedly spat while being taken into custody.

Charging documents indicate Garner was placed in handcuffs and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center for processing. She was charged with intoxicated public disturbance, three counts of possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia, and three counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance not including cannabis.

Court records indicate Garner was released on a $2,000 bond on Jan. 12, 2026. She is scheduled to appear in court for trial on March 2, 2026.

Under Maryland law, possession of a controlled dangerous substance not including cannabis is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year of incarceration and/or a fine of up to $5,000 per count, while possession of drug paraphernalia carries a potential penalty of up to one year in jail and/or a $500 fine per count. A conviction for intoxicated public disturbance may result in additional fines or incarceration.

---