A Lexington Park man faces multiple firearms charges after leading St. Mary’s County sheriff’s deputies on a pursuit that began with reports of gunfire in the area Monday night, March 9, 2026.
Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were conducting proactive patrol operations in Lexington Park around 9:30 p.m. when they heard gunfire and responded immediately to Bunker Hill Drive. Upon arrival, they located a red Chevrolet Equinox with its passenger-side window shattered. Deputies attempted to speak with the driver, but the individual fled, prompting a pursuit.
During the chase, deputies observed the driver throw an object from the vehicle. The discarded item was recovered and identified as a loaded .223-caliber semi-automatic short-barreled rifle equipped with a high-capacity magazine. The pursuit continued until the driver stopped the SUV in front of a residence, where he was taken into custody without further incident or reported injuries.
Investigators located several .223-caliber shell casings on Bunker Hill Drive, linking the scene to the initial gunfire reports. The driver and sole occupant was identified as Vanecalus Quntya Alexander, 38, of Lexington Park. He was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown.
Alexander faces eight charges: wear/carry/transport a loaded handgun on their person; wear/carry/transport a handgun on person; wear/carry/knowingly transport a loaded handgun in a vehicle on public roads; wear/carry/knowingly transport a handgun in a vehicle on public roads; possession of a regulated firearm after having been convicted of a felony; possession of ammunition after being prohibited; knowingly possessing a regulated firearm after being convicted of a disqualifying crime; and reckless endangerment.
The incident remains under active investigation. Authorities are seeking additional information from the public.
Anyone with details is asked to contact Deputy First Class Preston Dixon at 301-475-4200, ext. 8168, or via email at Preston.Dixon@stmaryscountymd.gov.
Anonymous tips can be submitted by texting 847411 (start message with “SMCSO”, add a space, then the tip); online through www.FirstSheriff.com/tips; via the SMCSO mobile app available on Google Play or Apple App Store; or by calling the Crime Solvers line at 301-475-3333. Crime Solvers tips remain anonymous, and qualifying information leading to an arrest may result in a cash reward.
The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office to address illegal firearms possession and discharge in Southern Maryland communities, particularly in high-traffic residential areas like Lexington Park. No additional suspects or related incidents were reported in connection with this event.
