Officer Shot at 7-Eleven Forgives Woman For Her 'Bad Decisions'

Annapolis, MD — The police officer who was shot and critically wounded more than a year ago outside an area 7-Eleven store told a judge he has forgiven the Severn woman who accompanied the shooter.

Anne Arundel County Police Corporal Larry Adams was shot in the neck April 10, 2015, in a confrontation with Colvin White, 31, of Annapolis.

White was convicted of attempted first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence. He was sentenced June 6 to life plus 20 years, with all but 55 years suspended, for the shooting.

Danielle Blake, 30, of Severn, was sentenced Monday to eight years with all suspended and five years of probation for serving as accessory-after-the-fact and transporting a handgun in a vehicle for the shooting of Corporal Adams.

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Blake pleaded guilty in October 2015, according to the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s office.

Police said White and Blake have children together.

Adams said in court that he forgave Blake for her bad decisions that night. She did not shoot him and was not part of any plan to shoot him.

The officer — who is still recovering from his gunshot wound — told Judge William C. Mulford that he did not want Blake to serve additional jail time or lose custody of her four children simply because she was associated with White, officials said in a release.

In handing down his sentence, Mulford said he was “struck by” Adams’ compassion for Blake and focused on her extensive cooperation, which helped complete the story of what took place that night, located additional evidence, and convicted White.

"We agree with the judge that eight years of incarceration, hanging over Ms. Blake’s head if violated, is appropriate given her cooperation," Wes Adams, Anne Arundel County state's attorney, said in a statement." While this doesn’t reverse the fact that an officer who was protecting and serving the citizens of Anne Arundel County was shot and severely injured, this does give a measure of justice to the officer and our community.”

The police officer shot in the neck after he likely interrupted the robbery of an Annapolis 7-Eleven store is working to regain use of his left arm so he can return to duty, the police department said previously.

The shooting occurred when Adams went to the 7-Eleven store for a routine business check and was told that a person outside the store was acting in a suspicious manner. When the officer went to investigate, there was an altercation with White, who shot Adams before he fled the scene.

SEE ALSO:

• 'Happy to Be Alive' Says Cop Shot in Neck
• Police Officer Shot at 7-Eleven Released from Hospital
• Police Share Photo of Cop Recovering from Shooting
• Wife of Injured Officer Thanks Public for ‘Love and Support’
• Police Arrest Second Suspect in Officer’s Shooting

Authorities said White and Blake were driving a van that had run out of gas near the East College Parkway 7-Eleven store. Adams planned to give White $5 for gas, but a scuffle and chase ensued when he asked White for identification. White hid in the tree line and ambushed Adams before fleeing the scene.

Shooting Timeline

The shooting occurred about 2 a.m. in the area of 720 College Parkway East. Officers went to the address to check on Adams when he failed to respond to his radio.

Police say Adams went to the 7-Eleven store for a routine business check, and was told that a person outside the store was acting in a suspicious manner. When the officer went to investigate, there was an altercation with White.

Witnesses said they heard at least one gunshot when White apparently shot Adams and fled the scene. Authorities say the suspect did not use the officer’s weapon to shoot him.

Adams was shot in the upper body in an area that was not covered by his police vest, WTOP reports.

He was the first Anne Arundel County Police officer to be shot in the line of duty since July of 2008, when an officer was shot in Brooklyn Park. There has never been a fatal shooting in the department’s history.

»Photo of Danielle Spencer, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police