A traffic stop in the early hours of December 28, 2024, led to multiple charges for Daniel Earl Garner, 48, of Leonardtown, Maryland. The stop occurred on Maryland Route 235 near Pegg Road, when Senior Trooper Oyler observed Garner’s Dodge Ram towing an unregistered trailer without visible license plates or registration tags. The vehicle was swerving between lanes before finally coming to a stop at a Shell gas station on Three Notch Road.
Trooper Oyler noticed signs of impairment in Garner, including bloodshot eyes, rapid speech, and difficulty completing basic tasks. Additionally, there was a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and Garner himself. Garner admitted to smoking marijuana before driving and handed over three burnt marijuana cigarettes when asked.
After field sobriety tests indicated impairment, Garner was arrested for driving under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS). A subsequent search of his vehicle led to the discovery of several illegal items, including a container of THC wax, a highly concentrated form of cannabis, and two white pills later identified as Suboxone—a medication used to treat opioid addiction. Brass knuckles were also found hidden in the center console of the truck.
Garner now faces several charges, including possession of CDS not related to cannabis, carrying a concealed dangerous weapon, and driving under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance. He is also charged with traffic violations such as operating a vehicle with expired registration, driving without current tags, and driving an uninsured vehicle.
Garner was released later that day on a $1,000 unsecured personal bond and is scheduled to appear in St. Mary’s County District Court on February 11, 2025.
