License Plate Reader Alert Leads To Drug Charges During Route 4 Calvert Traffic Stop

DUNKIRK, Md. — An Upper Marlboro man is facing multiple criminal charges after Calvert County Sheriff’s Office deputies alleged they discovered suspected cocaine and drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop in Dunkirk that began after a license plate reader indicated the registered owner’s driving privileges were suspended, according to court documents.

David Lee Snyder Jr., 46, of Upper Marlboro, was charged in the District Court for Calvert County with possession of a controlled dangerous substance other than cannabis, two counts of possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia and obstructing and hindering.

According to a statement of probable cause filed by the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred at approximately 1 a.m. July 5, 2026, while a deputy was conducting traffic enforcement on southbound Southern Maryland Boulevard (Route 4) near Farmers Lane in Dunkirk. A license plate reader alerted the deputy to a black Honda sedan registered to a driver whose Maryland driving privileges had been suspended.

After confirming the registered owner’s license status and identifying the driver as Snyder, the deputy activated emergency lights as the vehicle approached Town Center Boulevard. According to investigators, Snyder did not immediately stop. Instead, he drove through the Town Center Market parking lot, continued behind the building, passed through a gas station parking lot and eventually returned to the front of the shopping center before stopping. Deputies alleged the delay was consistent with behavior they have observed in some investigations involving motorists attempting to conceal illegal items before a traffic stop.

Court documents state Snyder initially denied being the registered owner and identified himself by a different name. After additional questioning, he provided his correct name and date of birth but allegedly claimed he was confused. Investigators alleged Snyder intentionally attempted to mislead deputies to delay or obstruct the investigation.

Deputies learned Snyder had active warrants in Anne Arundel and Dorchester counties. While awaiting confirmation of the warrants, a Calvert County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit responded to the scene. According to the charging documents, Snyder was advised that an open-air sniff would be conducted around the vehicle. Investigators alleged the K-9 gave a positive alert for the odor of narcotics, providing probable cause for a search.

During a search incident to arrest, deputies reported finding a clear glass pipe with burned ends and white residue inside Snyder’s shoe. A subsequent search of the Honda allegedly uncovered additional drug-related items, including burned Chore Boy copper mesh commonly used as a filter in crack pipes, a red measuring cup with suspected cocaine residue, an unused package of Chore Boy and a small rock believed to be crack cocaine.

According to court documents, Snyder was advised of his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with deputies. While seated in the back of a patrol vehicle, investigators reported Snyder began shouting and repeatedly striking his head against the window, causing a small cut to his forehead. Deputies requested an ambulance, but Snyder reportedly refused medical treatment.

Deputies transported Snyder to the Calvert County Detention Center, where he was charged. Investigators reported the suspected controlled dangerous substances and paraphernalia were submitted to the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division for laboratory analysis.

District Court records show Snyder was released after posting a $2,500 unsecured personal bond on July 5, 2026. He is scheduled to appear for a trial-officer scheduling hearing on Aug. 24, 2026, in Calvert District Court.

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