Andrew Bertram Rothwell, 44, of Lexington Park
Andrew Bertram Rothwell, 44, of Lexington Park, is facing multiple charges including wearing a handgun while under the influence, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired, and several traffic-related offenses following a reported crash in Lexington Park, according to court documents.
The charges stem from an incident on March 20, 2026, along Three Notch Road in Lexington Park. According to charging documents, a Maryland State Police trooper responded to a reported vehicle collision and observed a black Nissan Altima with heavy front-end damage in the roadway.
The driver of the Nissan told police he was traveling southbound when he was struck from behind by a white Hyundai sedan, causing his vehicle to spin and hit the median. He further stated the Hyundai then crossed the median and continued traveling in the opposite direction in the northbound lanes.
Witnesses told investigators they observed the same sequence of events, including the Hyundai striking the Nissan and then driving in the wrong direction, nearly causing additional collisions.
Deputies with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office later located the white Hyundai stopped in the roadway near Rue Purchase Road. According to court documents, Rothwell was found nearby “wandering in the tree line” after exiting the vehicle.
A witness told police she saw a man matching Rothwell’s description exit the driver’s side of the vehicle and recorded part of the incident on her cellphone.
According to the report, Rothwell initially told officers he was not driving and claimed a family member had dropped him off. However, investigators state that the family member denied being involved. Rothwell later told police he had been driving after leaving a restaurant and was heading home.
Troopers reported detecting “a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage” coming from Rothwell, along with observing bloodshot and glossy eyes, slurred speech, and difficulty maintaining balance.
According to court documents, Rothwell refused to perform field sobriety tests and declined to submit to a breath test.
During a search of the vehicle, officers located an unloaded Ruger 9mm handgun underneath the rear driver’s seat. Authorities stated Rothwell was not prohibited from possessing a firearm, but he was charged due to allegedly having the handgun while under the influence of alcohol.
Rothwell was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, where he was charged with multiple criminal and traffic offenses.
In addition to the handgun-related charge, Rothwell faces charges including driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol and drugs, driving on a suspended and revoked license, driving without a license, negligent driving, unsafe lane changing, failure to drive right of center, and failure to obey traffic control devices.
Court records show Rothwell was released on a $5,000 unsecured personal bond with conditions, including that he “not own or possess firearm, destructive device, or other dangerous weapon” and “abstain from alcohol” while the case is pending.
He is scheduled to appear for a court date in St. Mary’s District Court on May 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Andrew Bertram Rothwell, 44, of Lexington Park
