Purse Search Surprise: Waldorf Woman Arrested After Dunkirk Stop

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — A Waldorf woman was arrested following a late-night traffic stop in Dunkirk that led to the discovery of suspected controlled dangerous substances and a concealed weapon.

Amanda Marie Dilda, 38, of Waldorf, is charged with carrying a concealed dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance not cannabis, and two counts of possession of CDS paraphernalia in connection with the February 24, 2026 incident.

A deputy was traveling westbound on Route 260 near the BP station in Dunkirk at approximately 11:52 p.m. when a silver vehicle abruptly changed lanes in front of a commercial vehicle, causing it to brake suddenly. The deputy initiated a traffic stop near Route 4 and Lower Pindell Road. A records check revealed the vehicle’s registration was expired.

The driver was identified as Dilda. While she searched her purse for her license, the deputy observed a small pink container commonly referred to as a “trash can,” which, based on training and experience, is often used to store CDS. A second deputy responded to assist.

Dilda was asked to step out of the vehicle and was detained. During a search of her purse, deputies located multiple small containers, including pink and brown containers. A passenger, identified in the report as Matthew Phillips, was also removed from the vehicle while deputies conducted their investigation.

A search of Dilda’s person revealed a butterfly knife concealed in her right pocket. Deputies advised her the weapon was illegal to carry concealed. Dilda also had a pill grinder in her pocket and told deputies she used it to crush Percocet and snort it. She stated she did not have a prescription for the medication.

A search of the vehicle yielded numerous items commonly associated with CDS use and packaging, including tear-off bag corners, small baggies, cut straws with suspected residue, pill crushers with white powdery substance, brown glass containers with suspected residue, and a black digital scale found in the backseat alongside empty cannabis bags.

Deputies advised Dilda she was under arrest for possession of CDS and possession of a concealed dangerous weapon. All seized items were submitted for forensic testing. The incident was recorded on the deputy’s body-worn camera.

Dilda was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and later released on her own recognizance.

A hearing is set for April 7, 2026, in Calvert District Court.

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