Welfare Check On Napping Man Leads To Suspected Crack Cocaine Arrest At Dunkirk Gas Station

DUNKIRK, Md. — An Upper Marlboro man was arrested early June 19 after Calvert County deputies conducting a welfare check at a Dunkirk gas station allegedly discovered suspected crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia and marijuana inside his vehicle.

Calvin Dennis Craney, 65, of Upper Marlboro, is charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance other than cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to court documents, deputies were dispatched at approximately 4:21 a.m. to the BP gas station at 2975 West Chesapeake Beach Road in Dunkirk for a welfare check involving a man reportedly sleeping inside a vehicle for two to three hours.

Upon arrival, deputies located a red 2019 GMC Sierra parked at a gas pump. Investigators reported the truck was not running and did not have a fuel nozzle attached. Deputies found Craney asleep in the driver’s seat with the seat reclined, according to charging documents.

Authorities said Craney awoke when deputies knocked on the window and told investigators he lived nearby. During the encounter, deputies reported observing multiple alcoholic beverage containers inside the vehicle, including an open can of Corona Extra in the center console. Investigators also alleged Craney displayed slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and other signs of intoxication.

While speaking with Craney, deputies observed what they believed to be a crack pipe protruding from a cup holder in the vehicle’s center console. According to court documents, deputies reported the item appeared to be a hollow glass smoking device with a burned end commonly associated with smoking crack cocaine.

A subsequent search of the truck allegedly uncovered numerous items of suspected drug paraphernalia and controlled dangerous substances. Court documents state investigators recovered five glass smoking devices containing burnt residue, a digital scale, a plastic bag containing white powder residue, 16 small white rocks believed to be crack cocaine, one larger rock of suspected crack cocaine, two bags of marijuana and other drug paraphernalia.

During the search, deputies confirmed Craney had a warrant in Charles County that could be served in Calvert County.

Following the arrest, deputies transported Craney to the Calvert County Detention Center without incident. Investigators reported the suspected crack cocaine weighed approximately 29 grams. Court documents state the larger bag of marijuana weighed approximately 34 grams, while a second bag weighed approximately 28 grams. The evidence was submitted to the Maryland State Police Crime Laboratory for testing.

Court records show Craney was released after posting a $2,000 unsecured personal bond.

A trial officer scheduling hearing is scheduled for Aug. 6 in Calvert County District Court.

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