Crime & Safety
Drug-Trafficking, Gun Charges Filed After Chase: Police
Complaints by residents of drug sales in the 700 block of Newtowne Drive led police to confront loiterers, and make an arrest.
A foot chase by Annapolis Police and private security guards to the arrest of an Annapolis man on weapon and drug-trafficking charges.
Police arrested Arshad Abdullah, 19, of Annapolis after he reportedly fled from officers while in possession of a stolen handgun, 13 grams of marijuana, and $2,605 cash stuffed into his pockets.
Officers were in the 700 block of Newtowne Drive in response to complaints from residents and property management about people loitering in the outdoor areas to sell drugs. Police were also there following up on an Oct. 17 shooting in the community.
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As officers approached an area where several people were standing, two of them fled from the rear of the building; one of those individuals was Abdullah.
Private security guards employed by the community caught up to Abdullah and grabbed his shoulder. Police say Abdullah pulled a loaded handgun from the waistband of his pants, but it flew out of his hand and landed on the ground.
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When officers arrested Abdullah they reportedly found two bags of marijuana and a digital scale in his jacket pockets and $2,605 in his pants pockets. The handgun was reported stolen from Pennsylvania in September of 2015.
Annapolis Police officers have recovered more guns this year than last year entirely. Sixty-four guns have been recovered in 2015 compared to 43 in 2014.
“I commend our officers yet again for taking an illegally carried handgun off the streets of our city,” said Annapolis Police Chief Michael Pristoop in a statement. “This is the type of police work that is credited for reducing violent crime to record lows in Annapolis and it’s indicative of our commitment to keep our citizens safe.”
Abdullah was charged with eight firearms related offenses, possession of CDS with intent to distribute, possession of CDS, possession of CDS paraphernalia, theft less than $1,000, and trespassing. He is being held on $150,000 bond at the Jennifer Road Detention Center.
»Photo of Arshad Abdullah, courtesy of Annapolis Police
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