PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — A traffic stop in Prince Frederick escalated into a narcotics investigation, resulting in the arrests of Tyree Duprei Scott and Leroy Alonzo Owens. According to law enforcement, the pair was seen leaving a location known for high drug activity before engaging in erratic driving behavior that nearly caused an accident. The stop occurred near Main Street and Wilson Court.
Court records indicate that deputies with the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office observed a gray Hyundai Sonata leaving 450 Tubman Drive, an area known for frequent drug-related activity. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver, later identified as Owens, 52, of Prince Frederick, abruptly tried to enter the roadway in an unsafe manner, forcing him to slam on his brakes. Officers stated that this reaction was consistent with individuals who become aware of law enforcement while possibly transporting contraband.
When deputies made contact with the occupants, they reported that both Owens and Scott, 31, of Prince Frederick, displayed nervous behavior and were unable to provide valid driver’s licenses or vehicle registration. Owens initially stated that he was coming from Adelina Road, a claim that conflicted with officers’ direct observations of him leaving Tubman Drive. Officers noted that he displayed avoidant body language and refused to make eye contact.
During the interaction, officers also observed Scott making furtive movements inside the vehicle. When asked to retrieve the vehicle’s registration, he opened the glove compartment, briefly looked inside, and quickly shut it—an action deputies described as inconsistent with a routine search for documents. This led officers to call for a K9 unit to conduct an open-air sniff of the vehicle. The K9 signaled the presence of narcotics, prompting deputies to conduct a search.
Inside the vehicle, deputies located a torn plastic baggie containing white powdery residue in the center cupholder. Also discovered were a small metal rod with burnt ends and a red plastic cut straw containing white residue. A search of Scott’s person led to the discovery of a small copper wire inside his hoodie pocket. Based on the officers’ training and experience, these items were identified as drug paraphernalia typically associated with the use of crack cocaine. The white residue was identified as suspected cocaine.
Both men were placed under arrest. Scott was charged with multiple counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Owens faced a single misdemeanor charge for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Following their arrests, both individuals were transported to the Calvert County Detention Center. Court records indicate that Scott’s case remains open, with a trial scheduled for May 5, 2025, in Calvert District Court. Owens is also scheduled to appear in court on the same date. Both defendants were released on their own recognizance pending court proceedings.
The case remains active as prosecutors prepare to present their charges in court.
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