PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — A routine traffic stop for a license plate violation led to a major weapons and drug bust earlier this month when a Calvert County deputy arrested a Prince George’s County man wanted on an outstanding warrant and allegedly found with multiple firearms and suspected cocaine, according to court records.
Antwan Jamar Edwards, 37, of Fort Washington, was pulled over at approximately 1:05 a.m. on June 12 in a red Chevrolet Tahoe near the intersection of Armory Road and Fairground Road. Deputy Tunnell of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office observed the vehicle had no front license plate, and the rear plate was improperly attached and registered to a different vehicle—a Nissan. Records indicated Edwards had an active, extraditable warrant in Prince George’s County.
After Edwards exited the vehicle without incident, he consented to a search. A corporal on the scene reportedly observed a hollow blue pen tube with suspected powder cocaine residue on the center console. A further search revealed multiple firearms and other contraband.
Deputies recovered two handguns: a Taurus PT 809 C with a 14-round magazine and another loaded handgun with a 30-round high-capacity magazine. Additional ammunition was located, including a bag of 14 rounds, a single loose 9mm bullet, and a 16-round extended magazine in the glove box. A digital scale and a plastic handgun holster were also seized.
Edwards claimed he had recently purchased the vehicle from a friend and denied knowledge of the firearms or ammunition. However, a check with the Maryland Gun Center confirmed that Edwards is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions.
He was arrested and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center, where he was charged with nine offenses, including two felony counts of firearm possession by a person with a felony conviction, illegal possession of regulated firearms, possession of ammunition, multiple handgun-in-vehicle counts, and possession of a Schedule II controlled substance.
Edwards appeared before Judge Michelle R. Saunders on June 13 and was ordered held without bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 11 in Calvert County District Court.
If convicted of the felony gun possession charges alone, Edwards faces up to 15 years in prison per count under Maryland law.
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