36°
Members of the Charles County Sheriff's Office attempted to initiate a traffic stop in the area of Crain Highway and Talbot Street in La Plata after a computer check determined that the plates belonged to a different vehicle, leading to an unfortunate series of events for three suspects.
According to officials, the driver refused to stop and instead sped away in a vehicle that was later determined to have been stolen from a nearby county.
During the pursuit, officers deployed stop sticks three times - in the area of Billingsley Road, the Hughesville bypass, and the third time with the assistance of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office in Charlotte Hall - which deflated several of the vehicle's tires.
Undeterred, officials say that the vehicle continued traveling until it struck a median and was ultimately disabled. Three people inside the car were quickly apprehended and officers recovered a loaded weapon and "large quantity" of methamphetamine in their vehicle.
Those charged:
- Shawn Ray Elswick, 24, of Riverdale;
- Kirk Rodriquez Casper, 24, of Washington, DC;
- Monica Sanchez-Zavala, 18, of no fixed address.
Officials say that Elswick, the driver, was charged with theft, possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle, illegal possession of ammunition, and numerous traffic citations.
Casper and Sanchez-Zavala were charged with theft, possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle, and possession of drugs.
All three are being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center.
Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Glen Burnie and receive free news updates.
