CALIFORNIA, Md. — A Hollywood man was charged after a Maryland State Police trooper reported stopping a pickup truck with expired registration tabs and discovering the vehicle displayed plates assigned to other vehicles, including a plate later reported stolen.
John Patrick Cameron, 64, of Hollywood, was charged with theft of less than $100 and cited for several traffic offenses, including driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol and driving while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance.
The incident began at approximately 7:28 p.m. July 3, 2026, while a trooper was traveling north on Route 235 near First Colony Boulevard.
Charging documents state the trooper saw a green Toyota pickup truck displaying registration tabs that expired in March 2024. The truck also allegedly had a malfunctioning third brake light.
The trooper activated emergency lights and sirens near Route 4, but the vehicle continued moving until it reached the parking lot of Mezeh Mediterranean Grill in the 45000 block of Saint Andrews Church Road.
During the stop, the trooper reported detecting the odor of alcohol on Cameron’s breath and observed that his eyes appeared glassy and bloodshot.
Cameron did not provide a vehicle registration and stated he did not have one, charging documents state. A records check showed the license plate displayed on the Toyota was assigned to a Ford Focus, while the truck itself was listed as having suspended registration and an insurance lapse.
Cameron allegedly told the trooper he had recently taken oxycodone, then stated he had run out of oxycodone and had instead taken Suboxone. He also gave conflicting accounts of where he had been immediately before the stop, court records show.
Cameron refused to perform field sobriety tests. Based on the odor of alcohol, his reported opioid use and other observations, the trooper arrested him on suspicion of impaired driving.
A search of the truck allegedly uncovered a New York license plate belonging to another person. Cameron reported receiving the plate from a friend but did not provide additional information, charging documents state.
The registered owner told the trooper he did not know Cameron, had not given him permission to possess the plate and considered it stolen.
Cameron was transported to the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack, where he refused an Intoximeter test. He was later taken to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center.
In addition to the theft charge, Cameron received citations for:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Driving while impaired by alcohol
- Driving while impaired by drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol
- Driving while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance
- Reckless and negligent driving
- Operating an unregistered and uninsured vehicle
- Driving with suspended registration and expired tags
- Displaying registration plates issued to another vehicle
- Failing to display a registration card
- Failing to display a functioning rear brake light
- Failing to stop as required
Cameron was released July 4 after posting a $500 unsecured personal bond.
A trial is set for Aug. 24, 2026, in St. Mary’s County District Court.
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