CALIFORNIA, Md. — An investigation into the deliberate destruction of private property in a flooded field adjacent to a public car show has led to a criminal charge against a 17-year-old from Prince Frederick. Gage Alexander Lawlor has been charged in St. Mary’s County District Court with one count of malicious destruction of property over $1,000, a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to three years in prison and a $2,500 fine.
According to court documents, deputies were dispatched to the 45300 block of Alton Lane in California on April 16, 2025, following a complaint of property damage stemming from an incident reported three days earlier. An employee from The Pelican Group, the company managing the affected lot, reported that during a public “Cars and Coffee” event hosted in the parking lot of the adjacent Hobby Lobby on April 13, an SUV was seen intentionally driving into the neighboring vacant lot. The lot, saturated from heavy rainfall in preceding days, reportedly held pooled water and thick mud, which was visibly churned up and damaged by the vehicle.
Multiple eyewitness videos and social media posts began circulating online shortly after the incident, prompting the event organizer to solicit public assistance in identifying the driver. One of the videos showed a green Ford Excursion entering the lot and spinning its wheels, throwing mud into the air while onlookers recorded from the sidelines. Investigators say Lawlor, who was contacted after being identified through public tips and video evidence, later admitted to being the driver.
In a follow-up interview with Deputy Shanna Peters, Lawlor reportedly stated that he had driven into the lot to impress his friends, because he was feeling upset, and for fun, expressing remorse for the incident. He is also alleged to have posted on Facebook acknowledging his actions and apologizing for the damage, which the property manager estimates at approximately $6,000. Lawlor was later located at the Leonardtown Fairgrounds and positively identified by deputies.
Lawlor has been summoned to appear in court for trial, where he will face the charge. As of the date of the application, no trial date has been set. All events took place in St. Mary’s County.
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He did this at seahorse Beach also the same weekend the police where called then also and there are pictures on the cre Facebook group
Not the first person to do this…. just the first one to get caught. See satellite photos.
6 grand to power rake a 1/4 acre. BS.