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Mechanicsville resident Jerry Michael Weber proved he can't drive 55 and is now facing a host of charges in St. Mary’s County for a midday chase that kicked off at approximately 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25, near the area of Loveville Road and Old Red Oak Lane in his hometown.
The eventful afternoon began when the St. Mary's County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint about a black Expedition that was speeding and driving erratically into oncoming traffic, a spokesperson for the agency said.
Deputies were able to locate the 55-year-old Weber and his truck, though when they attempted to conduct a traffic stop, he sped away, topping 90 mph, and began weaving in and out of traffic.
According to the sheriff's office, during the pursuit, Weber made a U-turn and struck a ditch at which time he accelerated and struck Cpl. Jason Smith’s marked police vehicle head-on.
A second police cruiser was also damaged in the collision which was occupied by two deputies, though neither suffered serious injuries.
Both Smith and Weber were transported to area hospitals for treatment.
Weber was later released from the hospital and arrested. A search of his vehicle led to the seizure of a suspected Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) smoking device with suspected cocaine. He was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center and charged with:
- CDS: Possession of not cannabis;
- CDS: Possession of paraphernalia;
- Driving while so impaired by drugs and alcohol to capably drive safely;
- Driving under the influence of alcohol;
- Negligent driving;
- Fleeing and eluding;
- Several traffic infractions.
Cpl. Smith was treated and released from the hospital. The investigation is ongoing and the sheriff said that additional charges against Weber are pending.
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