LA PLATA, Md. — A man is facing two separate criminal cases after investigators alleged he stole nearly $1,500 worth of plumbing supplies from a La Plata Lowe’s store one day before deputies arrested him on unrelated charges involving suspected cocaine possession and resisting arrest, according to Charles County court documents.
Troy Herbert Contee Jr., 38, faces separate criminal proceedings stemming from incidents on July 28 and July 29, 2026.
The cases include charges of theft of property valued between $100 and under $1,500, possession of a controlled dangerous substance other than cannabis and resisting arrest.
According to the application for statement of charges, deputies responded July 29 to the Lowe’s Home Improvement store at 300 Rosewick Road in La Plata regarding a theft reported to have occurred the previous day.
Investigators met with a loss prevention employee, who reported that surveillance video showed a man entering the store about 10 a.m. July 28 through the garden center entrance.
According to the charging documents, the man selected a black-and-yellow storage tote before walking into the plumbing department.
Investigators alleged he concealed numerous plumbing supplies inside the tote before placing the lid on top and pushing it through the store.
The application states the suspect walked past all points of sale without paying, loaded the tote into a gold Ford Fusion and left the property.
According to the investigation, the tote allegedly contained numerous plumbing components. Loss prevention personnel estimated the total value of the merchandise at $1,496.81.
After distributing an internal theft bulletin, another Lowe’s loss prevention employee reportedly recognized the suspect from a previous incident and identified him as Contee.
Investigators confirmed his identity through Charles County Sheriff’s Office databases before filing the theft charge.
Less than 24 hours later, on July 29, Charles County Sheriff’s Office deputies encountered Contee during an unrelated patrol in Waldorf.
According to the statement of probable cause, a deputy was conducting directed patrol near the Super 8 Motel on Crain Highway when he observed Contee walking through the parking lot.
The deputy recognized Contee from previous law enforcement contacts and knew he was wanted on an active warrant for violating probation in an unrelated robbery case.
Investigators alleged Contee ignored repeated commands to stop after deputies identified themselves.
Instead, he allegedly ran across Crain Highway, crossed multiple lanes of traffic and continued fleeing before deputies caught up to him near Smallwood Drive West and Mall Circle.
According to the charging documents, a deputy tackled Contee after he refused commands and actively resisted attempts to place him in handcuffs.
Investigators alleged Contee continued struggling with multiple deputies before officers secured him.
During a search incident to arrest, deputies reported discovering a plastic jar containing several small white, rock-like substances in Contee’s possession.
Deputies also reported finding another shirt in his possession that contained several glass pipes with burnt residue.
According to the application, the rock-like substances were recovered and field-tested by Charles County Sheriff’s Office personnel, producing a positive result for cocaine. The substances weighed approximately 1.08 grams in total.
Contee was treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel and transported to the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, where he was treated for minor injuries before being taken to the Charles County Detention Center, according to charging documents.
Contee was released on his own recognizance on July 29.
A hearing is set for Sept. 16, 2026, in Charles County District Court on the drug possession and resisting arrest charges.
A preliminary inquiry is set for Sept. 21, 2026, in Charles County District Court on the theft charge.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
Don’t smoke crack
It will make worms grow out of your head
This dude was having a bad day.