Unlicensed Driver Busted With Brass-Knuckled Knife, Drugs In Routine MD Traffic Stop: Sheriff

A 52-year-old man was arrested after police found drugs and a brass-knuckle knife in his vehicle during a traffic stop in St. Mary's County, authorities said.

James Errick Barnes
Photo Credit: *St. Mary's County Sheriff*

Cecilia Levine

03/25/2024 11:32 a.m.

James Errick Barnes, 52, of Lexington Park, was stopped in his Ford Taurus after failing to stop by a traffic control device on Sunday, March 24, the county sheriff said.

Barnes was stopped at Great Mills Road near North Essex Drive. During the traffic stop, deputies saw Barnes pass an item to a passenger in the vehicle, who then tried to hide the item.

Barnes was found to be unlicensed, and the vehicle was unregistered. A subsequent search of the vehicle by Cpl. Lacey. Smith and K9 Kyra revealed narcotics and a brass knuckle knife.

Barnes was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center and charged with concealment of a dangerous weapon, CDS: Possession Not Cannabis, and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia. Barnes was also issued traffic citations for 12 related violations of Maryland Vehicle Law.

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