Pond Dive During Police Pursuit Leads To Drug Distribution Charges

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — On Feb. 21, 2026, a traffic stop in Lexington Park led to the arrest of a Great Mills man on multiple drug-related charges after deputies reported discovering suspected narcotics, a large sum of currency, and initiating a brief foot pursuit that ended when the suspect allegedly dived into a nearby pond. The incident, involving the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, has resulted in felony charges including CDS possession with intent to distribute.

According to charging documents, deputies observed a vehicle displaying blue lights traveling on Pegg Road in Lexington Park. A traffic stop was initiated, and contact was made with the driver, identified as David Leroy Harvey Jr., 33, of Great Mills. A K-9 unit responded to the scene and conducted a free air sniff around the vehicle, resulting in a positive alert. Deputies then initiated a probable cause search.

Police reports indicate during the search, officers reported locating a large amount of currency in Harvey’s pants. Authorities stated that Harvey subsequently fled on foot and allegedly jumped into a nearby pond in an apparent attempt to evade arrest.

Deputies apprehended him shortly thereafter. The search continued, and investigators reported recovering a substantial quantity of a white powdery substance, as well as multiple large chunks of an off-white rock-like substance. Harvey was arrested at the scene and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center.

Harvey has been charged with CDS possession with intent to distribute, CDS possession not cannabis, and attempt by driver to elude uniformed police by fleeing on foot.

He was held without bond, and court records indicate a trial is scheduled for April 2, 2026.

Under Maryland law, CDS possession with intent to distribute is a felony offense that may carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $15,000.

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