Traffic Stop Near Ridgely, MD Leads to Arrest for Drugs & Weapons

June 26, 2026/Mari Lou

Image courtesy Caroline County Sheriff’s Office

A tip to the Caroline County Communications Center Thursday about a vehicle being operated recklessly on Route 404/Shore Highway in the Ridgely area resulted in a traffic stop just before 7:30pm.

Deputies identified the driver as 38 year old Ryan Dailey of Laurel, Maryland who appeared nervous and attributed his erratic driving to a large pit bull in the back seat.

A K-9 scan around the vehicle alerted to the presence of drugs and a search turned up the following: 

  • Heroin 
  • Fentanyl
  • Powder Cocaine
  • Crack Cocaine 
  • Suboxone strips 
  • Hypodermic needles
  • A cutting agent
  • A digital scale with CDS residue

The quantity and variety of narcotics recovered were consistent with possession with intent to distribute.

Deputies also located a loaded .380 caliber handgun in the center console. The firearm was confirmed to have been
reported stolen in New Castle, Delaware. Dailey was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including:

  • Handgun in Vehicle   
  • CDS: Distribution, etc. with Firearm 
  • Firearm Use in a Felony/Violent Crime  
  • Firearm/Drug Trafficking Crime
  • Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm 
  • Transporting a Loaded Handgun on a Public Roadway

Dailey was presented before a District Court Commissioner and ordered held without bond at the Caroline County
Detention Center.

 

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