On Sept. 29, Deputy First Class K Meyer initiated a traffic stop on a 1995 Honda Accord. The operator, identified as Steve Lovell Thomas, 38 of Lexington Park, was not restrained by a seatbelt as required by Maryland law.
As Dfc. Meyer was attempting to stop the vehicle he could see the driver make movement with both hands as if he was placing an object under the driver’s seat. The driver then made several movements as if he was attempting to duck low in the vehicle. The driver eventually stopped the vehicle.
Dfc. Meyer contacted Thomas who was sweating profusely and fidgety. It appeared to Dfc. Meyer the driver was under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance.
Dfc. Rishel and K-9 partner Mica arrived on the scene of the traffic stop. A K-9 drug scan of the vehicle resulted in an alert for possible controlled dangerous substances in the area. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed a glass smoking device contained suspected controlled dangerous substance residue of suspected cocaine. Also located in the vehicle was a metal spoon containing suspected cocaine residue.
Thomas was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia.