SOLOMONS, Md. — A La Plata man is facing multiple charges after allegedly being found behind the wheel of a running vehicle with suspected cocaine residue, 13 empty vodka mini bottles, and a blood alcohol concentration nearly three times the legal limit, according to Calvert County Sheriff’s deputies.
Deputies responded to a priority call just after 5 p.m. on April 24, 2025, in the area of HG Trueman Road after dispatchers received reports of a man slumped over the wheel of a silver Hyundai. The vehicle was not parked in a designated space and appeared to be positioned in the roadway.
Upon arrival, deputies located the driver, identified as 47-year-old Matthew Kelland Novotny, still in the driver’s seat with the car in drive. When instructed to put the vehicle in park, Novotny allegedly lifted his foot from the brake, causing the car to roll forward and nearly strike the marked patrol vehicle. Once the vehicle was secured, Novotny reportedly struggled to exit and remain standing without assistance.
Deputies observed signs of impairment, including bloodshot and watery eyes, disheveled clothing, slurred and incoherent speech, and a strong odor of alcohol. Novotny allegedly failed multiple field sobriety tests, including the horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand assessments.
Following his arrest, deputies conducted a search and reportedly located two cut straws containing a white powdery residue suspected to be cocaine, along with 13 empty bottles of Tito’s vodka inside the vehicle. Novotny was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and administered a breathalyzer test, which registered a BrAC of 0.23 percent.
Court records show Novotny was charged with DUI, multiple traffic alcohol violations, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The paraphernalia charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a $500 fine.
Novotny was released the following day on a $4,000 unsecured personal bond. A trial is scheduled for July 2 in Calvert County District Court.
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