LEONARDTOWN, MD (November 4, 2026) – A Mechanicsville man was arrested Monday, Nov. 2, after St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies located a fire engine that was reported stolen from the Brandywine Volunteer Fire Department.

Deputies responded after a witness reported seeing the fire engine in St. Mary’s County. They located the vehicle near the intersection of Three Notch Road and Friendship School Road, where Zachery Albert Talbert, 28, of Mechanicsville, identified himself as the operator.

An investigation confirmed that the fire engine had been stolen. The vehicle also sustained engine damage, with engine fluid found throughout the engine compartment and on the roadway.

Talbert was arrested and charged with theft of $25,000 to less than $100,000, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and malicious destruction of property.