Posted on 09/02/24
| News Source: Pikesville Patch
Baltimore, MD - Sept. 2, 2024 - Officials said they arrested seven people during a bust of almost a dozen illegal car rallies in Baltimore, Prince George's, and Anne Arundel counties this weekend.
"Police responded to several locations where up to 200 participants gathered in parking lots attempting to shut down intersections throughout the region," said Maryland State Police on Sunday.
Members of the Maryland Car Rally Task Force worked with the State Police Special Operations Division, the Baltimore Regional Auto Theft Task Force (RATT), and local police to disrupt 11 illegal gatherings overnight Saturday into Sunday, authorities said.
Police said they recovered one stolen vehicle and an illegal firearm, along with arresting those seven people on charges including assault on an officer, destruction of property, and DUI.
Since June 2024, the task force has focused on investigating exhibition driving events, knowns as "takeovers." These illegal activities involve blocking public roads for doing stunts, disrupting traffic, damaging property and more.
"Increased patrols in identified hotspot areas have been conducted along with comprehensive investigations to identify and charge those involved," state police said. "This proactive approach includes enhanced traffic enforcement and the initiation of criminal investigations against the perpetrators.
Here are the locations and times that authorities responded to disrupt the rallies from Saturday night into early Sunday morning, per MSP:
Arrests and charges included:
Daniel Linton, 20, of Port Deposit: charged with assault on police, malicious destruction of property, and related traffic offenses.
Sh’Nard Martinez-Eric Pope, 24, of Baltimore; Chase Andrew Cover, 19, of Halethorpe; and Alycia Destiny Cropper, 22, of Middle River: charged in connection with a stolen vehicle.
Marcellus Cortez Swann, 33, of Baltimore: charged with DUI and carrying a handgun while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.