March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 51 F

Police chase injures officer, ends up with drug arrest in Annapolis public housing

Willie James Rhodes, 24

AACoPDShieldUPDATE:  

The vehicle entered the parking lot of the Annapolis Mall at which time officers disengaged from actively attempting to stop the suspect due to public safety concerns. The suspect continued through the Annapolis Mall parking lot and drove around the lot towards Jennifer Rd. At that point the suspect drove between vehicles on the lot. A marked Anne Arundel County Police vehicle was within the parking lot attempting to limit the suspect’s travels. The suspect deliberately changed course and struck the County Police officer, who was standing outside of the vehicle and continued striking the police vehicle. The suspect made no attempt to stop and continued his flight. The police officer suffered minor injuries. At that point, officers began to actively pursue the suspect vehicle.

During the pursuit, officers observed the suspect throw what they believed to be CDS from the vehicle. Officers subsequently recovered 13 baggies of Heroin with an approximate street value of $900. The suspect then drove to the Newtown community, located in Annapolis City, where he bailed out of the vehicle and fled on foot. After a short foot pursuit the suspect was apprehended.

The suspect struck at least two civilian vehicles at Forest Dr. and Chinquapin Round Rd. There were no civilian injuries reported.

The suspect is being charged with the following:

Willie James Rhodes, 24
Willie James Rhodes, 24
  • Attempted Murder
  • 1st and 2nd degree assault
  • Assault on a Police Officer
  • Poss of Heroin with Intent to Distribute
  • Numerous traffic offenses

Suspect: Willie James Rhodes, 24, of 6oo Block Broach Ct. Annapolis, MD 21401

At approximately 11:45 a.m. in the area of Bestgate Rd. and Admiral Dr. Annapolis, officers from the Annapolis Police Department witnessed a narcotics transaction. They requested assistance from the Anne Arundel County Police Department since the incident occurred outside of their jurisdiction.

When an officer activated his emergency equipment in an effort to pull the vehicle over, the driver failed to stop. Officers did not pursue the vehicle at this time, but they witnessed the vehicle proceed toward the Annapolis Mall. An Anne Arundel County Officer, who was on foot in the mall parking lot, tried to get the driver to pull over. The driver of the vehicle disregarded those commands and struck the officer with the vehicle on his arm. At this time, other officers arrived and attempted to stop the suspect vehicle.

The vehicle failed to stop for officers and officers pursued the vehicle in the Annapolis area. The driver of the vehicle struck several cars in the area of Chinquapin Round Rd. The driver then turned into the Newtown 20 Community where he bailed out of the vehicle. After a brief foot pursuit, the driver was taken into custody.

Officers located evidence that was discarded during the pursuit. No one was seriously injured. The officer who was struck went the hospital with minor injuries to his arm.  The suspect will face numerous criminal and traffic charges. The suspects’ names have not been released.

Source: AACoPD

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