HYATTSVILLE POLICE OFFICER INJURED DURING DRUG ARRESTJuly 20, 2000 A Hyattsville City Police Officer sustained serious injuries while pursuing three fleeing suspects last Sunday evening, July 16, at around 8:30 P.M.. Sergeant Gary Blakes was on patrol in the business area off Alternate Route 1 in Hyattsville when he spotted a car that had eluded officers earlier that evening. The vehicle had been initially located by PFC Greg Harrington who verified that the car bore stolen tags, and broadcast a lookout. Unfortunately, the driver of the vehicle was able to elude City Police in the area of Prince George’s Plaza. A few minutes later, Blakes saw the car, which was occupied by three persons, on Alternate Route 1, activated his emergency equipment and attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver of the stolen auto sped off and turned onto Burlington Road, which is a dead end street. When the occupants of the car realized that they were trapped, they stopped the car and fled from the vehicle on foot. Sergeant Blakes exited his police car and began to chase the suspects on foot. All three suspects fled in the direction of the dyke bordering the Anacostia River. As Blakes crossed the railroad tracks between Burlington Road and the river, he caught up to one of the fleeing suspects; unfortunately, just at that moment, he turned his ankle on the slippery rocks over which he was running. Sergeant Blakes fell and seriously injured his knee. He was transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery to repair his knee. He is expected to make a full recovery, but may require a substantial period of recuperation. The Hyattsville Police, assisted by officers from Mount Rainier, Riverdale Park and the U.S. Park Police Aviation Division were able to set up a perimeter to contain the suspects. K-9 Officer Paul Corridean of the Mount Rainier Police and his dog Jumber were able to successfully track the suspects, and all three were apprehended in the area of Longfellow Street near the railroad tracks in Hyattsville. Police found that, in addition to having a car with stolen tags, and resisting arrest, one of the suspects was in possession of a large quantity of marijuana and charged him accordingly. Two adults and one juvenile were arrested. Further information on those arrests follows:An update from Chief Holland (July 20, 2000):Sergeant Blakes had surgery on Monday. The tendons were torn, and the knee and tendons were surgically repaired. Sergeant Blakes has been discharged, and is at home. It is anticipated that he will be able to return to "light duty" in 6 - 8 weeks, and return to full duty in approximately 6 months. Cards can be sent to:Sergeant Gary Blakes C/o Hyattsville Police Department 4310 Gallatin Street Hyattsville, Maryland 20781 Or e-mail: police@hyattsville.org  |
|
|
City of Hyattsville 4310 Gallatin Street Hyattsville, MD 20781 Tel: 301-985-5000 Fax: 301-985-5007 |
info@hyattsville.org comments welcome: webmaster@hyattsville.org |