Fruitland Police Department Press Release 3-4-12

DATE & TIME: March 4, 2012 @0005 hours
INCIDENT: Shots Fired
LOCATION: Ridgefield Lane
CASE NO.: 2012-0291
PERSON CHARGED: Derick L. Cline
AGE: 34
ADDRESS: Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Handgun on Person
Handgun in Vehicle
Reckless Endangerment
Threats (Elected Official)
Resisting Arrest
Assault (Against Law Enforcement)
Obstructing and Hindering
Malicious Destruction of Property

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking

SYNOPSIS: On March 4, 2012 at 0005 hours, Fruitland Police responded to Ridgefield Lane for a report of shots fired. As officers arrived the suspect vehicle was observed leaving the area and a traffic stop ensued. The occupants were ordered to exit the vehicle, at which time the passenger, later identified as the above named suspect, became disorderly, assaulted an officer and attempted to kick a window out of a police car. The suspect made numerous threats to officers at the scene as well as specific elected officials. Other units arrived at the house and learned that the suspect had discharged a semiautomatic handgun inside of a residence, narrowly missing a resident, shattering a glass door and then fled with the gun. Officers searched the area and located a 9mm handgun, which was believed to have been thrown from the vehicle, in the area of the traffic stop. A 9mm shell casing was recovered at the residence and unused 9mm ammunition was found in the suspect’s possession. The suspect was arrested and transported to WCDC and released to Central Booking. The Fruitland Police were assisted by the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office.