Arrest Made for Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute, Transporting a Firearm in a Vehicle; Other Charges - 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



March 5, 2013 (12:52 p.m.)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chief Alan M. Goldberg from the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrest of Ronald Corneilius Eldridge, Jr., 30, of District Heights, Maryland, for:

Possession of Cocaine with the intent to Distribute;

Transporting a Firearm in a Vehicle;

Use of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;

Use of a Firearm for Drug Trafficking; and

Fleeing from Officers

Other charges may be pending.

On March 4 2013, in the 6500 block of New Hampshire Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland, Takoma Park Police initiated a traffic stop for a traffic violation. While speaking with Eldridge, the driver of the vehicle, Takoma Park’s K9 officer alerted during an outside scan of the vehicle. While officers searched the vehicle, Eldridge fled the scene on foot across New Hampshire Avenue to a residential neighborhood in Prince George’s County. A perimeter was established and all surrounding jurisdictions notified. An extensive search for Eldridge was conducted by Takoma Park Police, Prince George’s County Police and Montgomery County Police, K9 officers, as well as air support from Prince George’s County Police.

A search of the vehicle yielded a large amount of narcotics, in an amount indicative of an intent to distribute. A loaded 40 caliber handgun was also located under the driver’s seat. There were other items of evidentiary value retrieved from the vehicle and impounded.

Additional investigation revealed that the owner of the handgun resided in Hyattsville, Maryland, which was the area where Eldridge was last seen running. Takoma Park’s Special Assignment Team (SAT), Montgomery County Police and Prince George’s County Police responded to the residence and made contact with the owner of the handgun. Consent to search the residence was given and Eldridge was located in the attic area. Eldridge was arrested without further incident and transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit.

The investigation is on-going.

Chief Goldberg would like to thank Montgomery County Police and Prince George’s County Police for their assistance in this apprehension. Great teamwork by all jurisdictions.