Two Men Arrested in Allegany County with Ghost Guns and Improvised Explosive Device

Maryland State Police have arrested two men from Prince George’s County, Darnell Demond Levy Jr. and Paul Thomas Baylor III, both 21, following the discovery of five unregistered firearms, known as ghost guns, and a homemade explosive device at a residence in Cumberland. The arrests occurred after troopers responded to a firearms complaint in Cresaptown, leading to a wider investigation that uncovered the dangerous weapons.

The incident began on February 19th when Maryland State Police received a report of a firearms complaint on Tulip Street in Cresaptown. Upon arrival, troopers reported hearing a gunshot. As they approached the property, they observed a firearm on the ground and encountered two individuals, later identified as Levy and Baylor, outside the residence. A subsequent search warrant executed at the home revealed an arsenal of illegal weapons and components.

During the search of the residence, investigators discovered five ghost guns, which are firearms that lack serial numbers and are therefore untraceable, along with over 600 rounds of ammunition. In addition to the unregistered firearms, authorities also found a 3D printer actively producing a fire control unit for a Glock firearm, indicating a capacity for further weapon manufacturing. The most concerning discovery was a homemade improvised explosive device (IED) located in the kitchen. A bomb squad from the Office of the State Fire Marshal was called to the scene and confirmed the device was live. Bomb technicians successfully rendered the IED safe and removed it from the residence without any complications.

Levy and Baylor, both from Bowie, Maryland, have been charged with multiple firearm-related offenses, including possession of a firearm without a serial number, carrying a loaded handgun, and reckless endangerment. They are currently being held without bond at the Allegany County Detention Center. Authorities have indicated that additional charges are anticipated as the investigation progresses.

The Maryland State Police Strategic Operations Group and the Allegany County Narcotics Task Force also provided assistance at the scene. The Allegany County Narcotics Task Force is a collaborative effort involving the Maryland State Police, the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, the Cumberland Police Department, and the Allegany County States Attorney’s Office, operating as part of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Allegany County Drug Initiative. The investigation into this matter is ongoing.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Maryland State Police

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