POLICE PURSUIT ENDS WITH A SLEW OF CHARGES AGAINST CAMBRIDGE MAN
Cambridge MD - A dramatic chase unfolded on February 4, 2024, as Cambridge Police Officers attempted to stop a vehicle at the intersection of Park Lane and Leonards Lane for a stop sign violation on Oakley St at Greenwood Ave.
However, the driver had other plans, setting the stage for a police pursuit through Cambridge, Maryland.
At 11:28 am, the driver, who was later identified as Robert Michael Haines JR, a 33-year-old man from Cambridge, attempted to evade the law, and sped off down Leonards Lane heading towards Washington St.
The chase took a swift turn as the vehicle swung onto Zachary Drive, then Alex Way. The driver continued the reckless spree along Foxtail Drive before returning to Zachary Drive.
The pursuit culminated in a major crash as the driver lost control, wrecking into several parked vehicles along Zachary Drive.
Undeterred and desperate, Robert Michael Haines Jr., attempted to make a quick escape on foot.
The officers were relentless and after a brief foot pursuit, managed to apprehend Haines and take him into custody in the 700 block of Foxtail Drive.
A search revealed a bounty of Cannabis and a substantial amount of US Currency on the suspect.
A search of Haines's vehicle presented the officers with a loaded 9mm handgun on the passenger floor.
Further investigation of the vehicle yielded a stash of Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) and a hefty amount of US Currency, hinting at far more nefarious activities than just traffic violations.
The following is a breakdown of CDS located in the vehicle and on Haines:
The following is a breakdown of CDS located in the vehicle and on Haines:
- 7 pills of MDMA (Ecstasy)
- 18 unknown white pills
- 9 unknown tan pills
- Approximately 60 grams of Methamphetamine
- Approximately 57 grams of Crack Cocaine
- Approximately 40 grams of Cannabis
Through further investigation, it was found that Haines is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous felony convictions. Haines had his initial appearance before a Court Commissioner and was turned over to the Dorchester County Department of Corrections on No Bond.
Haines was charged with the following:
- Failure to Stop at Stop Sign
- Negligent Driving
- Reckless Driving
- Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device
- Failure to Drive Right of Center
- Driving Without a License
- Failure to Display License
- Failure to Display Registration Card
- Driver Attempts to Elude Uniformed Police by Fleeing on Foot
- Driver Attempts to Elude Police in Official Police Vehicle by Fleeing on Foot
- Driver Attempts to Elude Police in Official Police Vehicle by Failing to Stop
- Failure to Control Vehicle Speed on Highway to Avoid Collision
- Failure to Stop After Accident Involving Damaged to Attended Property
- Failure of Vehicle Driver to Stop After Unattended Vehicle Damage Accident
- Failure of Vehicle Driver Involved in Accident to Give Insurance Policy Information
- Failure of Vehicle Driver in Accident to Locate and Notify Owner of Unattended Vehicle Damage
- Possession of Ammunition in the Commissioner of Any Felony or Any Crime of Violence
- Did Use Firearm in the Commission of a Felony / Crime of Violence
- Loaded Handgun on Person
- Handgun on Person
- Loaded Handgun in Vehicle
- Handgun in Vehicle
- Possession of Ammunition Being Prohibited from Possessing a Firearm
- Possession of a Firearm After Being Convicted of a Felony
- Possession of Firearm After Being Convicted of Assault 1st Degree
- Possession of a Firearm in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime
- Disorderly Conduct
- Failure to Obey Lawful Order
- Obstruct and Hindering
- CDS Possession Not Cannabis (Crack Cocaine)
- CDS Possession Not Cannabis (Methamphetamine)
- CDS Possession Not Cannabis (MDMA)
- CDS Possession Paraphernalia
- CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute (Crack Cocaine)
- CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute (Methamphetamine)
- CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute (MDMA)
On February 5, 2024, Haines appeared in front of the honorable Judge Melvin Jews, who ordered Haines to continue to be held without bond.
This incident underscores the risks our law enforcement officers face daily and their unwavering commitment to ensuring public safety. Meanwhile, Haines is set to face the full weight of the law for his actions.