LEONARDTOWN, MD — A juvenile was charged as an adult following the recovery of a firearm during a police raid in Lexington Park, Maryland, authorities reported. The operation, led by detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU), culminated on April 12, 2024, when officials executed a search and seizure warrant at a residence on Stoney Brook Court.
The search yielded a Polymer 80 handgun equipped with a high-capacity magazine, according to the sheriff’s office. Following the discovery, a juvenile suspect was arrested and has been detained at the Detention and Rehabilitation Center facing weapons-related charges.
The CIU, established in 2022, combines the expertise of detectives and a crime analyst. This specialized unit focuses on curtailing gun violence in St. Mary’s County. It emphasizes innovative investigative strategies, proactive policing, and meticulous investigations that are geared toward successful prosecution.
“The work of our Criminal Intelligence Unit is critical in our ongoing efforts to combat gun violence,” a sheriff’s office spokesperson commented. “This latest arrest underscores the importance of targeted intelligence work and community cooperation in keeping our neighborhoods safe.”
The identity of the juvenile has not been disclosed due to legal protections typically afforded to minors, even though the individual has been charged as an adult. The nature of the charges reflects the severity of the offenses linked to the possession of illegal firearms.
This incident comes amid growing concerns about gun violence in the region and the role of firearms in criminal activities. The sheriff’s office continues to prioritize aggressive measures against the proliferation of illegal weapons as part of their broader strategy to ensure public safety.
