Michael Kelly Fitzpatrick, 27, of Mechanicsville
On January 2, 2018 at approximately 10:40 p.m., Trooper C. Ruth of the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack was operating an unmarked Maryland State Police vehicle in the area of southbound Route 245 at Mount Pleasant Road in Hollywood. While at this location, Ruth observed a vehicle traveling southbound on Route 245, approaching from the rear of the police vehicle, and measured the vehicle’s speed at 67 MPH, well above the 40 MPH speed limit.
The vehicle, the only one on the roadway, had an inoperative passenger side headlight. Trooper Ruth then attempted to pull the vehicle, which was a red Dodge Dakota with Maryland registration, over. While traveling behind the vehicle, Ruth noticed the driver of the vehicle increasing speed and failing to stop.
While approximately two car lengths behind the vehicle, Trooper Ruth was traveling at a speed of 70 mph in a posted 50 MPH zone. The vehicle proceeded to cross over the double, solid, yellow line at southbound Route 245 just south of Old Hollywood Road. The vehicle then made a right turn from the travel portion of Route 245 onto Morgan Road, failing to use the appropriate right turn signal and turning right from the incorrect lane.
Officer Ruth immediately pursued Fitzpatrick, demanding him to stop. Fitzpatrick continued to flee on foot towards a white fence. He successfully jumped over a white, plastic fence into the yard of 24430 Lakeland Drive. Ruth continued to demand Fitzpatrick to stop running.
After pursuing Fitzpatrick throughout the yard, he climbed over the same portion of the fence and continued to flee on foot. A short time later, Fitzpatrick was finally apprehended. A search of Fitzpatrick yielded one silver, metal spoon containing a white, powdery substance in his front, left pants pocket.
Throughout the encounter, Fitzpatrick was extremely uncooperative and very combative, yelling obscenities repeatedly. It was determined through the course of the investigation that Fitzpatrick also had an active arrest warrant through the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.
Due to Fitzpatrick being combative in Trooper Ruth’s vehicle, he was transported by Deputy D. Smith of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation center. it was also determined Fitzpatrick damaged a portion of the fence during the foot pursuit, with an estimated $250.00 to repair that portion of the fence.
After leaving the scene, Trooper Ruth sent the white, powdery substance to the laboratory for testing. The substance eventually tested positive for cocaine.
Trooper Ruth then responded to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center where contact was made with Fitzpatrick again. While speaking with Fitzpatrick, Ruth detected the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath and body. His eyes were glassy and bloodshot. Fitzpatrick refused to comply with the standardized field sobriety tests.
Michael Fitzpatrick is currently being held at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center without bond and is charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, malicious destruction of property, resisting arrest, disturbing the peace. Fitzpatrick has a court date scheduled for February 20, 2018 at the St. Mary’s County District Court.
Michael Kelly Fitzpatrick, 27, of Mechanicsville
