Police Chase In La Plata Ends With Gun Arrest, Suspect Found Hiding

LA PLATA, Md. — An Upper Marlboro man is facing multiple firearm and traffic-related charges after allegedly fleeing from police and being found with a handgun during an early morning incident in La Plata.

Anthony Lionel Wills, 42, of Upper Marlboro, is charged with illegal possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, handgun in a vehicle, resisting arrest, and failure to obey a lawful order, according to court documents.

The charges stem from an incident on March 28, 2026, when a La Plata Police officer was conducting stationary radar enforcement in the area of Rosewick Road and Rising Pine Place.

According to charging documents, the officer observed a black sedan traveling closely behind another vehicle on a wet roadway. After initiating a traffic stop, the vehicle briefly stopped before speeding away, prompting a search of the area.

The vehicle was later located parked at an apartment complex, where officers found it abandoned. Inside, officers recovered a black handgun and a loaded magazine, along with an open alcoholic beverage in the front cup holder.

Officers tracked fresh footprints from the vehicle to the rear of nearby apartments. A K-9 unit responded and assisted in the search, eventually locating Wills hiding in a stairwell area behind the building.

Wills was taken into custody without further incident. Authorities noted signs of alcohol consumption, and he was later found to have an active warrant and to be prohibited from possessing firearms.

He was transported to the Charles County Detention Center and charged.

Court records show Wills was held without bond following his arrest. A bond review hearing was held on March 30, 2026, before Judge Robert C. Wilcox in Charles County District Court.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 24, 2026, in Charles County District Court.

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