WALDORF, Md. — A 35-year-old Waldorf man is facing multiple assault charges after Charles County sheriff’s deputies alleged a four-wheeler he was operating struck a lieutenant, he fled from officers on the ATV and then ran from police before being taken into custody with the assistance of a Taser.
Cornell Fields Jr., 35, of Waldorf, was arrested Aug. 21 and charged in the District Court for Charles County with first-degree assault, felony second-degree assault on a law enforcement officer, misdemeanor second-degree assault and reckless endangerment.
Fields also received several traffic citations related to the incident, including reckless driving, unsafe lane changing, attempting to elude uniformed police by fleeing on foot, attempting to elude police in an official vehicle by failing to stop, operating an off-road vehicle on a highway and operating an unregistered motor vehicle, according to the court’s charge summary.
According to a statement of probable cause filed by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, a lieutenant saw a four-wheeler operating on St. Charles Parkway at approximately 11:18 p.m. Aug. 21.
The lieutenant reported watching the ATV enter a nearby parking lot before attempting to leave.
As Fields, later identified as the driver of the ATV, attempted to exit the parking lot, the lieutenant tried to stop him, according to the charging document.
Police alleged the lieutenant approached Fields and wrapped his arms around him in an attempt to get him off the four-wheeler.
The lieutenant ordered Fields to get off the ATV, but Fields allegedly refused.
According to the probable cause statement, a struggle followed.
Investigators alleged Fields repeatedly pressed the throttle despite multiple commands to stop.
Police said the four-wheeler eventually struck the lieutenant.
The charging document states the lieutenant then used a Taser in an effort to stop Fields, but Fields allegedly managed to break free, accelerate away and render the Taser ineffective.
Additional officers were requested to assist as the lieutenant began pursuing the ATV in his patrol vehicle.
According to police, the lieutenant activated his emergency lights and siren as the pursuit continued.
The report alleges Fields disregarded a red traffic signal and traveled northbound in the southbound lanes of Leonardtown Road.
Another Charles County sheriff’s officer reported seeing Fields enter a parking lot and attempt to turn back onto Leonardtown Road.
The officer positioned a patrol vehicle in an effort to block Fields from reentering the roadway.
According to the charging document, Fields collided with the patrol vehicle, causing the four-wheeler to become disabled.
Police alleged Fields immediately jumped off the ATV and ran toward a wooded area.
Officers pursued him on foot across Leonardtown Road.
During the foot pursuit, one officer reported seeing Fields reach toward his waistband.
That officer deployed a Taser, which police said was effective, allowing officers to take Fields into custody.
After Fields was handcuffed, police alleged he told officers that he had a handgun concealed in his waistband.
Investigators reported recovering a Glock 43X handgun from Fields’ waistband.
According to the probable cause statement, the firearm contained a magazine loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition.
Police said an additional magazine containing 10 more rounds was recovered during a search incident to arrest.
Fields allegedly told officers several times while in custody that he had been trying to get home to his children and that was why he ran from police.
The report states Fields also told officers the firearm was legally possessed and that he had a valid permit to carry it.
Fields was evaluated at Charles Regional Medical Center for possible injuries and subsequently cleared before being transported to the Charles County Detention Center for processing.
Investigators identified the vehicle as a red 2003 Suzuki LT-Z400 four-wheeler.
According to the report, a check through the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration showed the ATV was not registered.
Police said Fields was positively identified through his Maryland driver’s license.
Fields is charged with first-degree assault, felony second-degree assault involving a law enforcement officer, misdemeanor second-degree assault and reckless endangerment.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 25, 206 in Charles County District Court.
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