Illegal Left Turn In Lusby Leads To K-9 Drug Arrest For Florida Man

LUSBY, Md. — A Florida man is facing multiple drug charges after Calvert County Sheriff’s Office deputies alleged a K-9 alerted to the odor of narcotics during a traffic stop in Lusby, leading investigators to recover suspected powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and drug paraphernalia from both his person and the patrol vehicle used to transport him, according to court documents.

Jeremy Mark Owens, 37, of Jennings, Florida, was charged in the District Court for Calvert County with two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance other than cannabis and three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. The charges stem from his July 16, 2026, arrest by the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the statement of probable cause, a Calvert County Sheriff’s Office deputy was conducting proactive crime-prevention patrols at approximately 7:05 p.m. on July 16 near Buckets Sports Bar, located at 12020 Rousby Hall Road in Lusby, when he observed a white Chrysler passenger vehicle with Virginia registration parked at a gas pump.

The deputy reported multiple occupants standing around the vehicle who allegedly stared at his marked patrol vehicle as he drove through the parking lot. Based on his training and experience, the deputy wrote that he believed the group’s behavior was consistent with individuals uncomfortable with a law enforcement presence.

After leaving the area, the deputy observed the Chrysler leave the parking lot. According to charging documents, the vehicle made an abrupt left turn onto Robin Court without signaling continuously for at least 100 feet before turning, prompting the deputy to initiate a traffic stop near the intersection of Rousby Hall Road and Robin Court.

During the stop, deputies learned through law enforcement databases that multiple occupants of the vehicle allegedly had prior controlled dangerous substance violations. Based on that information and the occupants’ behavior, the deputy requested a K-9 unit. A deputy responded with a K-9 and conducted an open-air sniff of the vehicle. According to court documents, the K-9 gave a positive alert for the odor of controlled dangerous substances, providing probable cause for a search.

During the search, deputies reported finding a clear “rip-off” plastic baggie and pieces of Brillo copper mesh in various locations throughout the vehicle. Investigators stated the baggies are commonly used to package controlled dangerous substances, and the copper mesh is commonly used as a filter in devices used to smoke crack cocaine.

Owens, who was seated in the front passenger seat, was searched during the investigation. According to charging documents, deputies allegedly recovered a folded dollar bill from his pants pocket containing a small amount of white powder suspected to be cocaine. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Owens allegedly told investigators he had obtained the suspected cocaine in St. Mary’s County and intended to use it for his personal enjoyment.

Owens was arrested and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center. A correctional deputy later reported discovering additional suspected controlled dangerous substances associated with Owens. According to court documents, after Owens exited the patrol vehicle at the detention center, a tied plastic baggie fell to the ground beside the vehicle. The deputy secured the baggie before correctional staff completed an additional search of Owens, which reportedly did not uncover any additional contraband.

After returning to the patrol vehicle, the transporting deputy conducted a routine search of the rear passenger compartment and allegedly located another tied plastic baggie wedged between the rear cage and the front passenger seat. The deputy noted the patrol vehicle had been searched before Owens was placed inside and reported the area was clear prior to transport.

Investigators later examined the recovered items and alleged they contained suspected cocaine residue, suspected crack cocaine, and additional suspected cocaine. According to charging documents, the substances weighed approximately 2 grams of suspected powder cocaine and 4 grams of suspected crack cocaine. All evidence was submitted to the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office for processing.

Court records show Owens was released on his own recognizance following his arrest. He is scheduled for trial on Sept. 3, 2026, in Calvert County District Court.

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