Great Mills Man Accused Of Giving False Name, Fleeing Police During Traffic Stop In Lexington Park

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A traffic stop in Lexington Park escalated into a foot chase and multiple drug-related charges after a man allegedly gave police a false name and attempted to flee, according to court documents.

James Donelle Pinkney, 53, of Great Mills, is facing multiple misdemeanor charges following the May 2, 2026 incident.

According to the statement of probable cause, a deputy observed a gray Ford Escape on Pegg Road with an improperly illuminated rear license plate, making it unreadable at night. A traffic stop was initiated, and the vehicle pulled into the entrance of a convenience store on Great Mills Road.

During the stop, Pinkney, who was seated in the rear passenger seat, provided a false name to deputies. When officers attempted to verify his identity and instructed him to exit the vehicle, he fled on foot, leading to a brief chase. Deputies reported using physical force to take him into custody after he resisted arrest and attempted to flee a second time.

During the arrest, a plastic baggie containing an off-white substance suspected to be crack cocaine fell from Pinkney’s person. A search incident to arrest allegedly uncovered additional suspected cocaine, including powder found in a folded bill and crack cocaine recovered from his clothing.

Authorities said Pinkney was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, where a further search led to the recovery of additional suspected crack cocaine concealed on his body inside a plastic baggie.

Investigators also reported that Pinkney had an active warrant at the time and had provided the false identity in an attempt to avoid prosecution.

Pinkney is charged with fraudulently providing personal identifying information to avoid prosecution, obstructing and hindering, two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting or interfering with arrest, and possession of contraband in a place of confinement.

Court records show he was released on an unsecured personal bond of $1,500 on May 2, 2026.

A trial — officer scheduling hearing is set for July 16, 2026 in St. Mary’s District Court.

Under Maryland law, resisting arrest and possession of contraband in a place of confinement each carry potential penalties of up to three years in prison, while drug possession charges can carry up to one year in jail.

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