05/13/17 – Dangerous Weapon – Conceal – Deputy First Class R. Steinbach was conducting a patrol check of the St. Georges Island Boat Ramp in Piney Point, MD, at approximately 3:30 a.m., on May 13, 2017. During the patrol check, the deputy observed a motor vehicle in the parking lot.
The wharf is duly posted with signs indicating the wharf and parking lot are closed from sunset to sunrise. Upon making contact with the six occupants inside, Deputy First Class R. Steinbach detected the distinct odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle.
The deputy had the driver, suspect Kevin Preston Bertsch, 18 of Great Mills, MD, exit the vehicle. Upon the suspect exiting the vehicle, Deputy First Class R. Steinbach observed what appeared to be a handgun partially underneath the driver’s seat.
Additional investigation determined what originally appeared to be a handgun, was actually a pellet pistol designed to look like a Glock handgun. Additionally, a set of metal knuckles and less than 10 grams of Marijuana was also located in the vehicle.
The suspect was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center where he was issued a Civil Citation for Possession of Marijuana less than 10 grams and criminally charged with Concealing a Dangerous Weapon. CCN# 25240-17