A 35-year-old Lexington Park man has been arrested after authorities recovered a loaded stolen handgun during a multi-agency search at Point Lookout State Park in St. Mary’s County.
Dayvon Maurice West was taken into custody Wednesday after investigators linked him to the theft of a firearm from a residence in La Plata. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office received notification of the case from the La Plata Police Department and determined that West had traveled to the state park following the theft.
Officers from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police and Maryland Natural Resources Police conducted an extensive search of the park. To ensure public safety, the park was evacuated and closed for several hours while the operation continued. West was located during the search, surrendered to deputies and was taken into custody without further incident.
The stolen weapon, a fully loaded Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, was found in West’s possession at the time of his arrest. He has been charged with possession of a stolen regulated firearm, handgun on person and loaded handgun on person.
West is employed as a correctional officer with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. He was suspended from duty on March 4 during an unrelated criminal investigation. That matter resulted in a criminal summons filed on June 23.
Stolen firearms represent a significant concern for law enforcement because they can quickly enter circulation and contribute to other crimes. Maryland law treats possession of a stolen regulated firearm as a serious offense, carrying potential felony penalties. Charges related to carrying a handgun on one’s person, particularly when loaded, add additional layers of scrutiny under state permitting and carry restrictions.
The coordinated response at Point Lookout State Park demonstrates how local, state and natural resources agencies work together when a suspect is believed to be in a public recreational area. Evacuating and temporarily closing the park allowed officers to conduct a thorough search while minimizing risk to visitors. Point Lookout, located at the southern tip of St. Mary’s County, is a popular destination for camping, fishing and historical tours, making public safety during such operations a priority.
West’s status as a correctional officer adds another dimension to the case. Individuals in law enforcement or corrections roles are held to high standards of conduct, and any criminal allegations can result in immediate administrative action, as seen with his earlier suspension. The current charges will now proceed through the court system in St. Mary’s County.
No injuries were reported during the incident or the subsequent search. The rapid location and surrender of the suspect helped bring the situation to a conclusion without escalation.
The investigation into the original theft in La Plata remains active, and authorities continue to seek any additional information that could assist in the case. Anyone with details is encouraged to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Cases involving stolen firearms and their recovery in public spaces highlight ongoing efforts by Southern Maryland agencies to address gun-related crime. Multi-jurisdictional cooperation, as demonstrated here between Charles County and St. Mary’s County departments along with state resources, is often necessary when suspects cross county lines or seek refuge in state parks.
West is expected to face arraignment on the new charges in St. Mary’s County District Court. The earlier unrelated criminal summons from June 23 will proceed separately.
