I-70 Traffic Stop Leads to Drug and Stolen Handgun Arrest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gross

FREDERICK, Md. (March 5, 2026) –On March 4, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., a Frederick County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducted a traffic stop on a silver Acura MDX traveling westbound on Interstate 70 near New Market for an equipment violation and failure to maintain its lane.

The driver and sole occupant was identified as John Tyrell Gross Jr., 35, of Baltimore. During the stop, the deputy observed what appeared to be a disguised soda can container commonly used to conceal narcotics. A K-9 unit responded and positively alerted to the odor of narcotics.

A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of:

·         Approximately 64.6 grams of suspected fentanyl

·         Approximately 18.4 grams of suspected cocaine

·         Multiple pills believed to be controlled dangerous substances

·         Drug packaging materials and a digital scale

·         A KAHR Model P380 handgun loaded with one round in the chamber and five rounds in the magazine

The firearm was confirmed to be stolen from Virginia.

Investigators also determined that Gross is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to prior convictions.

Gross was arrested and transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center – Central Booking.

He is charged with numerous offenses, including:

·         Possession with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances (2 counts)

·         Possession of a large amount of CDS (not cannabis)

·         Firearm during a drug trafficking crime

·         Distribution of CDS with a firearm

·         Illegal possession of a regulated firearm

·         Possession of a firearm with a felony conviction

·         Possession of a stolen regulated firearm

·         Illegal possession of ammunition

·         Loaded handgun in a vehicle

·         Handgun in a vehicle

·         Possession of CDS paraphernalia

·         Possession of controlled dangerous substances (2 counts)

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office at 301-600-1046 or submit a tip through the FCSO tip line at 301-600-4131.

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The Frederick County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) is a full-service law enforcement agency, an arm of the court, and a keeper of offenders. In this regard, it exists to serve the more than 290,000 citizens of Frederick County with respect, fairness, and compassion. FCSO is committed to the prevention of crime; the protection of life and property; the preservation of peace and order; the enforcement of laws and ordinances; the safeguarding of constitutional guarantees; and safekeeping of prisoners. The men, women, and officers of this office nurture public trust by holding themselves to the highest standards of performance and ethics. The FCSO is located at 110 Airport Drive East, Frederick, MD, 21701. Visit www.frederickcosheriff.com for more information.