Loaded Gun, Nowhere To Run: Deputies Stop Armed Driver On Rural Leonardtown Road

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A suspicious vehicle report in a rural area of Leonardtown escalated into a criminal case involving an out-of-state driver, an alleged attempted eluding, and the reported discovery of a loaded handgun, according to authorities.

On March 26, 2026, deputies with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Friendship Road and Maypole Road for the report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, deputies observed a Jeep Wrangler parked on a dirt road off Friendship Road.

According to charging documents, as deputies pulled onto the dirt road, the Jeep began traveling further down the path before attempting to turn around. Deputies then activated emergency lights, at which point the vehicle allegedly attempted to elude law enforcement. The road ultimately led to farmland, and the vehicle was stopped shortly thereafter.

Court documents state deputies made contact with the driver, identified as Carlos Miguel Herbert, 25, of Crestview, Florida. Authorities reported that Herbert allegedly appeared nervous and was holding his hands in the air while wearing a satchel across his body. When asked about the contents of the satchel, Herbert allegedly stated that it contained a firearm.

Police documents indicate Herbert was asked to exit the vehicle, and deputies conducted a probable cause search. According to authorities, the search allegedly revealed a 9mm FN pistol with one round in the chamber and 19 rounds in the magazine. Deputies further reported that Herbert did not possess a valid Maryland carry permit and that the firearm was not registered in the state.

Court records show Herbert was placed under arrest without further incident and charged with wearing, carrying, or transporting a loaded handgun on his person, along with related firearm offenses. He was later released on a $5,000 bond.

Herbert is scheduled to appear for trial on May 4, 2026, in the District Court for St. Mary’s County. Under Maryland law, unlawful wearing, carrying, or transporting of a handgun can carry a maximum penalty of up to three years of incarceration and/or a $2,500 fine for a first offense.

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