DC Couple With Kids Carjack Taxi Driver in Severna Park: Police

SEVERNA PARK, MD — A couple who ordered a taxi driver to take them from Severna Park to Washington, D.C., reportedly assaulted the cabbie, took his vehicle and hit the road with two children along for the ride, authorities say.

The saga began about 1 a.m. Saturday at the 7-Eleven store at 600 Ritchie Highway in Severna Park, where a 61-year-old taxi driver went to pick up a fare. Anne Arundel County Police say Leah Charnelle Ellison, 25, and Andreas Richard Robinson, 22, both of Washington, D.C., got into the taxi with two small children and asked to be taken to Washington.

When the cab driver said he would have to be paid up front, Ellison and Robinson allegedly became irate and began assaulting the driver. During the assault, the victim was able to get free of the suspects; however Ellison was able to grab the victim’s cell phone and keys from his hand. The cabbie was pushed out of the taxi and the suspects took the vehicle, fleeing southbound on Ritchie Highway.

Officers searched the area and found the stolen taxi unoccupied nearby at Evergreen Road and Lockleven Drive. K-9 and other officers responded to the area and located people matching the description given by the victim, who then identified Ellison and Robinson as the duo who took his taxi.

Police say the taxi driver refused medical treatment.

Ellison and Robinson were both charged with carjacking, robbery, unlawful taking of motor vehicle, 2nd degree assault, and disorderly conduct, officials said. Child Protective Services was contacted and took custody of the children.

»Photos of suspects Leah Ellison and Andreas Robinson, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police