Alcohol-Fueled Barhopping Ends In Crash And Assault On Deputy

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A late-night traffic accident along MD-235 in Lexington Park has resulted in multiple criminal charges, including second-degree assault and driving under the influence, after deputies with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a vehicle found in a roadside ditch.

According to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, on Feb. 22, 2026, deputies were dispatched to the report of a collision on MD-235 in Lexington Park. Upon arrival, deputies observed a Toyota Tacoma off the roadway in a ditch and a Toyota RAV4 with two individuals entering the vehicle.

Police reports state deputies made contact with the individuals, one of whom was identified as Keith Albert Kennedy, 48, of Lexington Park. Kennedy allegedly stated that he had been the driver of the Toyota Tacoma. Charging documents state that deputies observed signs of possible impairment, including glassy eyes, slurred speech, and the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath.

Statements in police reports show that when asked how much he had consumed, Kennedy allegedly told deputies he had consumed several beers and multiple shots of liquor. He reportedly stated that he began drinking at a local Moose Lodge and later stopped at ABC Liquor before heading toward another establishment when he lost control of the Tacoma, causing it to leave the roadway and enter the ditch.

Court documents indicate deputies requested that Kennedy perform standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs). According to the report, Kennedy complied but allegedly did not follow instructions and did not successfully complete the tests. He was subsequently placed under arrest.

During a search incident to arrest, charging documents allege that Kennedy head-butted a deputy who was conducting the search. Authorities report that he was secured in a patrol vehicle and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center for processing.

Kennedy was released on recognizance Feb. 23, 2026. A trial date has been scheduled for April 9, 2026, in the District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County.

Kennedy has been charged with second-degree assault, negligent driving in a careless and imprudent manner endangering property, life, and person, driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), and driving while impaired by alcohol (DWI).

Under Maryland law, second-degree assault is generally punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $2,500. A first-offense DUI carries a maximum penalty of up to one year incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000, while driving while impaired by alcohol is punishable by up to two months incarceration and/or a fine of up to $500.

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