LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A St. Mary’s County man is facing multiple handgun charges after deputies say he fled through residential streets, allegedly tossed a loaded AR-15 into a dumpster and was later caught hiding at a nearby apartment complex — all while wearing leggings, a hoodie and carrying a bag labeled “Hood Rich.”
According to charging documents, Christopher Bailey, 20, of Waldorf, was observed by deputies during a proactive patrol in the Columbus Drive corridor of Lexington Park on June 26, 2025, just after midnight. Bailey was seen carrying a black backpack and wearing white shorts, a white tank top and white leggings. Deputies noted the outline of a heavy object in his shorts pocket, believed to be a firearm.
Attempts to engage Bailey were initially unsuccessful. Deputies received multiple noise complaints about Bailey’s group, and after clearing the immediate area, observed him again a few blocks away near the Liberty Street playground, now wearing a green hooded sweatshirt and still carrying the same “Hood Rich” backpack.
Deputies reported that Bailey tried to hide in the playground equipment and began walking away while clutching his waistband and hoodie pocket — behavior officers interpreted as an effort to conceal a firearm. When instructed to stop, Bailey allegedly fled on foot through multiple properties, and deputies observed him tossing an object into a dumpster behind 21648 Liberty Street.
Bailey was ultimately apprehended behind Liberty Street Apartments. The object retrieved from the dumpster was identified by deputies as a loaded AR-15-style pistol (5.56 caliber) with no serial number, a loaded magazine and one round chambered. A subsequent search of the discarded backpack yielded a loaded 50-round drum magazine.
Bailey was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, where he was charged with three misdemeanor firearm offenses: possession of a firearm by a minor, possession of a loaded handgun on person and handgun on person. Under Maryland law, these charges each carry a maximum penalty of up to three years in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Court records transmit that Bailey is represented by defense attorney Thomas Christopher Mooney, and his case is being prosecuted by the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office. He appeared before Judge James Tanavage on June 27, who ordered that he be held without bond pending trial. His next court date is set for July 28, 2025, in Courtroom 1 of the St. Mary’s District Courthouse.
Deputies confirmed that body-worn camera footage captured the full incident and recovery of the weapon. Prosecutors have not ruled out amending charges to include possession of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, pending further review of the case and ballistics evidence.
The firearm was submitted as evidence. Bailey remains in custody.
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Oh look. The HQL worked! Oh wait, it didn’t.
Repeat offender
Please explain how you charge people St. Mary’s county? How does a 20 year old man get charged as a minor? Jaime Sterling and crew are a Joke!! This county need a good audit and a dose of DOGE!
you got that right – seems like sterling and company pick and choose what’s best for them. like father like daughter!