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Saturday, November 10, 2012

SUSPECT IN CUSTODY AFTER BELTWAY PURSUIT



(COLLEGE PARK, MD) – A Washington D.C. man is under arrest after a pursuit, this afternoon in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties that resulted in the injury of a trooper.

The suspect is identified as James C. Gregory, 23, of Washington D.C. The suspect was transported to Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Md. after complaining of injury. After consultation with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, once the suspect is released from the hospital, he will be charged with second degree attempted murder, first degree assault, second degree assault, theft of a motor vehicle, theft over $1000, resisting arrest, false statement to police and numerous traffic charges. The suspect will be transported from Holy Cross Hospital to the Prince George’s County central booking unit where he will await his initial appearance before a court commissioner.

At approximately 12:00 p.m. today, troopers from the Maryland State Police College Park Barrack were given a broadcast for a stolen 2007 gray Honda Accord with Maryland registration. The vehicle was traveling in the area of southbound Interstate 95 and Interstate 495 in Prince George’s County. A trooper spotted the vehicle moments later southbound on Interstate 495 passing Baltimore Avenue (Rt. 1). The trooper followed the vehicle into the Greenbelt Metro Station where the driver parked in an open space. The trooper was concerned that the suspect might flee on foot. The trooper, in full uniform, approached the stopped vehicle on foot and ordered the suspect to turn off the vehicle. The suspect refused and was able to maneuver his vehicle out of the parking space. The trooper activated the emergency lights and siren of his unmarked patrol unit.

The suspect attempted to elude the trooper by exiting the metro parking area onto northbound Interstate 495. The suspect continued northbound at which time another trooper joined the pursuit by activating the emergency lights and sirens of his marked Maryland State Police patrol unit. The suspect refused to stop and accelerated as he continued to weave through traffic and attempted to elude troopers by exiting onto Baltimore Avenue heading north.

Trooper First Class Manuel Moreno, while working an extra-duty assignment in the area of the 10000 block of Baltimore Avenue, heard the pursuit heading his way. He attempted to place stop sticks (tire deflating devices) in the roadway to disable the stolen Honda. The suspect avoided the stop sticks and intentionally struck Tfc. Moreno with the Honda.

The pursuit continued into the Ikea parking lot, back onto Baltimore Avenue, eventually making its way back onto Interstate 495 towards Montgomery County. After exiting Interstate 495 onto northbound New Hampshire Avenue, the suspect parked the stolen vehicle in the 10800 block of Blossom Lane in Silver Spring. Troopers lost sight of the vehicle, but were able to dispatch a description of the vehicle as well as the suspect. The stolen vehicle was recovered from Blossom Lane.

Montgomery County Police Department plainclothes officers observed the suspect walking away from the vehicle in the area of Gatewood Avenue and Burt Mills Avenue in Silver Spring. They approached the suspect and he was taken into custody with further incident. The suspect complained of injury and was transported to Holy Cross Hospital.

Trooper First Class Moreno who was injured when struck by the suspect was taken to Prince George’s County Hospital where he has treated for minor injuries and released. Tfc. Moreno is a three year veteran of the Maryland State Police.

A motive for Gregory’s actions is unknown at this time. The investigation continues. 

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