UPDATE Arrest Made in Vehicle Pursuit - News Release

NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
* 7500 Maple Avenue * Takoma Park, Md 20912


For more information contact:
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901


February 27, 2012 (11:58 a.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chief Ronald A. Ricucci from the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrest of Sergio Morales-Monroy, 20, of Hyattsville, Maryland, for several traffic charges and assault on a police officer.

On February 26, 2012, at approximately 1:03 p.m., a Takoma Park Police officer observed a black Nissan vehicle with passengers traveling south on Route 650 at Kingwood Drive, traveling at a high rate of speed, failing to maintain lane control and failing to remain right of center. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Morales-Monroy, turned right onto Sligo Creek Parkway from lane two. He then proceeded west on Sligo Creek Parkway at a high rate of speed. At this time, it was the officer’s belief that due to the erratic driving behavior, that it was possible the driver may be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Morales-Monroy took the officer on a pursuit throughout various parts of Takoma Park, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. There were several times Morales-Monroy failed to stop for a barricade, leaving the roadway and driving around it. He continued to flee at a high rate of speed, endangering other motorists and pedestrians. At one point, he entered into the Washington Adventist Hospital, proceeding through the hospital at a high rate of speed failing to stop for a stop sign and endangering pedestrians in the hospital zone. Morales-Monroy was forced to stop, as he approached Holton Lane, for a red light. This gave the officer an opportunity to step out of his vehicle and see the identity of Morales-Monroy. At this time, Morales-Monroy put his vehicle into reverse and purposely struck the officer’s marked cruiser on the rear passenger side. After striking the officer’s cruiser, Morales-Monroy fled again at a high rate of speed continuing to make unsafe lane changes, nearly missing other motorists. The pursuit continued as Morales-Monroy continuously drove in a negligent and reckless manner putting other motorists, pedestrians, the officer, and himself in danger.

Sight of the vehicle was lost briefly, however, the officer was flagged down by a citizen indicating where the vehicle was located – on Chathum Avenue, Prince George’s County. The officer observed the vehicle parked in a driveway at a dead-end street. Two of the passengers bailed out and began running on foot. Morales-Monroy also bailed out and fled on foot, and the officer pursued him on foot. The officer was unable to catch up to Morales-Monroy and returned to his cruiser. A K-9 track was conducted which led officers through the woods and back towards University Boulevard, where the track ended.

Shortly after the track, Prince George’s County Police notified Takoma Park Police that, in an attempt to thwart capture, Morales-Monroy reported his vehicle as having been stolen. However, the officer who was involved in the pursuit was able to identify Morales-Monroy as the driver of the vehicle he had been pursuing. Morales-Monroy was taken into custody and transported to the Takoma Park Police Department.