Loaded Gun Found During Trappe Traffic Stop

Talbot County, MD - A Talbot County Sheriff's Office traffic stop in Trappe led to a firearm arrest last week after deputies found a loaded handgun on a passenger inside the vehicle.

The stop happened on May 19, 2026, on Ocean Gateway near Bolingbrook Lane. Deputies pulled the vehicle over and later developed probable cause to search it.

To assist with the search, deputies called in a K9 unit from the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office. The search turned up a loaded handgun inside the vehicle.

The gun was found in the possession of a passenger identified as Fredrick Mertil, 36, of Margate, Florida. Deputies placed him under arrest at the scene.

Mertil was charged with illegal possession of a firearm, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and other related charges.

After his arrest, Mertil was transported to the Talbot County Central Booking facility. He was processed and made an initial appearance before a District Court Commissioner.

Following that appearance, Mertil was held pending further action by the courts. No additional details about the circumstances of the stop were released by the sheriff's office.

Disclosure: All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Eastern Shore Undercover® does not express or imply any opinion regarding the incident reported.