Bowie Man's Illegal Cell Phone Use Leads to Drug Arrest: Police

BOWIE, MD — An alleged Bowie drug dealer was snagged by Maryland State Police who reportedly saw the man using a cell phone.

A Maryland state trooper working a special distracted driving enforcement initiative, made the traffic stop Sunday that resulted in the arrest of Darin March Jr., 20, of the 1200 block of Ashleigh Station Court in Bowie. March was charged with illegal possession of firearms, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute and other criminal charges.

And March was also issued a traffic citation for using a hand-held cell phone while driving. He was arrested and taken to the Queen Anne’s County Detention Center, where he was held on a $100,000 bond, authorities said.

A state trooper from the Centreville Barrack was part of an effort to target distracted drivers Sunday evening. March was reportedly seen about 6 p.m. driving his Pontiac Grand AM on eastbound Route 50 in Grasonville while using his cell phone.

During the traffic stop, the trooper smelled a strong odor of raw marijuana. A search of the vehicle turned up two ounces of marijuana, packaged for distribution, along with several items of drug paraphernalia and over $10,000 cash, state police said. A further search led to the discovery of two firearms, one of which had a defaced serial number.

The use of a hand-held cell phone while driving is a primary offense in Maryland. April is recognized nationally as Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

»Photos of suspect Darin March Jr. and drugs, cash and weapons seized, courtesy of Maryland State Police