MECHANICSVILLE, Md. – A Mechanicsville man is facing multiple firearm and drug-related charges following a routine traffic stop that uncovered a stolen vehicle, loaded weapons, and suspected controlled substances.
On December 12, 2024, Deputy White of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office observed a blue Dodge pickup truck with a metal toolbox traveling southbound on Three Notch Road near Morganza Turner Road. The truck matched the description of a vehicle linked to a previous theft incident. The deputy followed the vehicle south until it turned onto Laurel Grove Road and eventually into a driveway at 26975 Laurel Grove Road.
A check of the vehicle’s registration revealed that the tags were reported stolen and belonged to a vehicle registered to St. Mary’s County Public Schools. The driver, identified as Patrick Wayne Brooks, 37, of Mechanicsville, was removed from the vehicle, placed in handcuffs, and read his Miranda rights, which he waived. Brooks denied knowing anything about the stolen tags and claimed the truck was not his.
While standing with Brooks, Deputy Cucinotta of the Sheriff’s Office asked if he could retrieve a jacket from the vehicle due to the cold weather. Brooks granted permission, and Deputy Cucinotta entered the truck from the driver’s side to access the passenger-side floorboard. Inside the vehicle, the deputy noticed a black and silver handle on the passenger seat, partially concealed against the backrest. Upon closer inspection, the object was identified as a Ruger P85 silver and black 9mm handgun. When the deputy pulled back the slide, a 9mm cartridge was discarded from the chamber. Further inspection revealed a loaded magazine containing multiple rounds still in the firearm.
Deputies consulted the dispatch center to run the firearm’s serial number, which returned unregistered. Brooks denied ownership of the handgun but admitted to a history of recreational firearm use with others. A background check confirmed that Brooks was prohibited from owning or possessing firearms, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns.
A search of the truck also uncovered a loaded long rifle, Model 330A, in the back seat. During Brooks’ transport to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, correctional officers discovered suspected controlled dangerous substances in Brooks’ right watch pocket. The substances included a white powdery material wrapped in a lottery ticket and a brown powdery substance wrapped in tin foil. Brooks admitted the substances were cocaine.
Court records show that Brooks has been formally charged with multiple offenses, including firearm possession by a prohibited individual, possession of a loaded handgun in a vehicle, illegal possession of ammunition, theft under $100, and possession of controlled dangerous substances.
Brooks remains in custody as authorities continue their investigation.
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Great job Deputy White. Always be careful on a stop. Great to hear he is still in custody. Jaymi Sterling and your very capable staff, it’s your turn to protect the law-abiding citizens and I know you will. Judge, your job is to ensure a fair trial. Fair to the accused and fair to the law-abiding citizens. When/if the accused is found guilty your sentence will reflect your commitment to protect the law-abiding citizens.