Speed Trap Shock: D.C. Man Charged After Loaded Gun Found During Traffic Stop

DUNKIRK, Md. — A Washington, D.C. man is facing multiple firearm charges after deputies discovered a loaded handgun and ammunition during a late-night traffic stop in Calvert County.

Corey Antonio Paul, 36, of Washington, D.C., was arrested on March 4, 2026, following a traffic stop conducted by the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office in the area of Ward Road and Southern Maryland Boulevard.

According to charging documents, a deputy was patrolling Southern Maryland Boulevard near Mt. Harmony Road at approximately 11:35 p.m. when a maroon Nissan Maxima was observed traveling about 72 miles per hour. The speed was confirmed using a patrol vehicle’s mounted radar system.

The deputy caught up to the vehicle near northbound Southern Maryland Boulevard and Apple Way, pacing the car at approximately 73 miles per hour. A registration check on the Wisconsin dealer plate displayed on the vehicle returned no record tied to a registered owner.

A traffic stop was conducted on the Nissan Maxima at Ward Road and Southern Maryland Boulevard in Dunkirk.

During the stop, the driver was identified as Paul. Investigators reported that Paul appeared frustrated and repeatedly reached into the rear passenger area of the vehicle while speaking with the deputy. Paul told the deputy he had recently purchased the vehicle and was driving it back to his home in Washington, D.C.

When asked for details about the purchase, Paul reportedly became increasingly nervous, with his voice trembling and moving around in the driver’s seat. He initially stated he did not know where he purchased the vehicle and claimed he had no contact information for the seller.

Paul later contacted an individual he identified as the seller, who told the deputy that he had sold the vehicle earlier that day in Suitland, Maryland. Investigators noted that Paul’s travel direction and timeline did not match someone returning from that location.

Due to inconsistencies in Paul’s statements and the vehicle’s registration issues, the deputy asked him to step out of the car.

Authorities reported that Paul repeatedly moved his hands toward his pockets and waistband despite being instructed not to reach for anything. Based on the deputy’s training and experience, this behavior was consistent with individuals attempting to conceal a weapon.

A pat-down search revealed a hard bulge near Paul’s waistband. During the encounter, Paul stated he had concealed an open container of Hennessy inside his pants.

A probable cause search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a black Canik TP9SFX handgun loaded with 17 rounds. The firearm was located inside a red and black book bag on the passenger side of the rear seat within reach of the driver.

Investigators also found a clear hospital bag with Paul’s name on it and documents bearing his personal information inside the same backpack as the firearm.

When the deputy returned to the patrol vehicle, Paul spontaneously stated, “that’s not mine.” He was then informed that he was being placed under arrest for the firearm.

Deputies reported that Paul became visibly distressed and pleaded to be released, stating he was trying to protect his family.

Paul was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center. Authorities determined he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to a prior conviction for a crime of violence.

Paul was charged with illegal possession of a regulated firearm, firearm possession after a violent crime conviction, handgun on person, handgun in vehicle, loaded handgun in vehicle, loaded handgun on person, and illegal possession of ammunition.

A bond review hearing was held March 6, 2026 before Judge Michelle R. Saunders in Calvert District Court, where Paul was ordered held without bond.

A hearing is set for April 3, 2026 in Calvert District Court.

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