A local man’s attempt to crush a suspected crack cocaine pipe in front of police ended in his arrest, authorities reported, highlighting a tense encounter in Lexington Park that led to multiple charges and court proceedings. Edward Raleigh Curley IV, 44, faces criminal charges in Maryland and is wanted as a fugitive in Pennsylvania.
On March 4, 2026, officers responded to a residence in Lexington Park, Maryland, where they encountered Curley. Authorities discovered that he had an active warrant for theft by unlawful taking of movable property out of Somerset, Pennsylvania.
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During the encounter, Curley allegedly took a glass smoking device from his coat pocket. Initially, officers ordered Curley to release the device, but he resisted, questioning its susceptibility to trampling and destruction.
When the pipe did not shatter, Curley allegedly tried to stomp it before surrendering it.
The discovered pipe contained charred residue that appeared to be crack cocaine, according to police records. Curley was arrested without incident and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) other than cannabis, possession of CDS paraphernalia, and manipulating physical evidence in a criminal case, according to court documents.
Curley’s bond for the Maryland charges is $1,500, with a trial set for April 21, 2026.
In addition, he is being held without bond on a fugitive from justice charge out of Pennsylvania, with a court review hearing set for March 16, 2026. The Pennsylvania accusation arises from a theft investigation in Somerset.
If convicted, the Maryland charges carry a possible term of five years for CDS possession, two years for paraphernalia possession, and ten years for manipulating physical evidence, while the Pennsylvania theft accusation may result in extra penalties.
