LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A Lexington Park man was arrested on June 17 after allegedly fleeing a traffic stop and stashing a loaded handgun beneath a parked vehicle, according to court documents filed by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.
Alexander Chew, 29, is facing five misdemeanor charges after deputies say he bailed from a silver GMC Acadia during a traffic stop near North Essex Drive and Midway Drive. According to law enforcement, the vehicle initially attempted to evade police by maneuvering through Weeping Willow Lane before abruptly parking and backing into a spot. That’s when Chew, who was seated in the right rear passenger seat, allegedly jumped out and began running.
Deputy Senatore reportedly observed Chew walking on the sidewalk and ordered him to stop. Chew allegedly ignored commands and fled on foot but was taken into custody after a short pursuit.
During the stop, deputies detained the driver and another front-seat passenger and conducted a K-9 scan of the vehicle. At the beginning of the scan, the sheriff’s office says the deputy observed a black handgun under the rear bumper of a nearby gold Cadillac SUV bearing California tags. The Cadillac was parked and unoccupied.
The vehicle’s owner told police she had parked there the previous day and had not seen a firearm under her car. She stated she had been moving boxes to and from the vehicle the day before and did not observe anything suspicious.
The recovered weapon was identified as a Hi-Point C9 9mm Luger handgun with an obliterated serial number. According to deputies, the firearm had a loaded magazine and one bullet chambered, ready to fire.
Dashboard camera footage reviewed by police allegedly showed Chew walking away from the area where the gun was later found, prior to his flight from the traffic stop. Authorities stated the condition of the firearm—no visible damage, scratches, or scuffs—was consistent with being gently placed, not tossed.
At the detention center, Chew initially invoked his right to remain silent but later agreed to speak with law enforcement. He admitted to being the rear passenger and said he ran because he was scared of police.
Chew has been charged with knowingly altering a firearm ID number, possession of a handgun in a vehicle, possession of a loaded handgun in a vehicle, possession of a handgun on his person, and possession of a loaded handgun on his person.
The maximum penalty for a single count of possession of a handgun on person includes up to three years in prison and a $2,500 fine. If convicted on all counts, Chew could face additional consecutive sentencing.
He appeared before Judge Karen Christy Holt Chesser for a bond review on June 18 and was released on his own recognizance. A trial is scheduled for July 24 in St. Mary’s County District Court.
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