On Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at approximately 5:45 PM, Cecil County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 100 block of Avalon Avenue, Elkton for a domestic assault, according to the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials said upon arrival, contact was made with a female victim with obvious injuries from an assault. She told Deputies that a male suspect later identified as Angel Louis Rodriquez had put his hands around her neck and attempted to choke her after an argument at their home.
She further advised that Rodriquez had attempted to punch her multiple times while she blocked the strikes with her arms before she escaped to a bathroom where she called 911, according to authorities. Rodriquez then left the residence in a black, Volkswagen Jetta. Deputies were advised that the suspect had been consuming alcoholic beverages throughout the day.
Deputies then observed the described vehicle operating at a high rate of speed through the neighborhood before entering the driveway of the residence. This while numerous parents and children were out celebrating Halloween.
Corporal Jonathan Pristash approached the vehicle and attempted to make contact with Rodriquez who was alone in the car. Rodriguez locked the door and attempted to place the vehicle into gear as Cpl. Pristash approached. Cpl. Pristash ordered Rodriguez to exit the vehicle multiple times before reaching inside the car to attempt to prevent the vehicle from being placed in motion.
Rodriguez was able to place the vehicle in gear, dragging Cpl Pristash as he was partly in the car. Rodriguez was holding onto Cpl. Pristash’s equipment as the vehicle was in motion. Corporal Mark Messner observed the struggle and approached the vehicle from the passenger side. Cpl. Messner was struck by an open door from the vehicle as it remained in motion.
Cpl. Pristash continued struggling with Rodriguez but was ultimately able to remove him from the vehicle. Cpl. Pristash was also struck by the motor vehicle during the struggle, said police. At this time Cpl. Messner observed the unoccupied vehicle traveling toward the roadway. Fearing for the safety of pedestrians, Cpl. Messner ran after the vehicle and was able to turn the steering wheel redirecting the car away from the pedestrians. Cpl. Messner was struck by the vehicle at this time. The car continued through a nearby yard striking a Delmarva utility box and finally struck a parked, unoccupied GMC Yukon.
Cpl. Pristash continued to attempt to place Rodriguez into custody but Rodriguez actively resisted arrest. Rodriguez grabbed and attempted to remove Cpl. Pristash’s firearm from his holster, according to police. Deputies were ultimately able to place him into custody. Both Corporals Pristash and Messner were transported by patrol vehicle to Union Hospital. Both deputies were treated and later released at the hospital. Rodriguez was transported to Union Hospital by ambulance and later transferred to University of Maryland Shock Trauma for treatment for injuries related to the incident. Mr. Rodriguez remains hospitalized at this time.
Deputies were contacted by several nearby residents who provided statements that Mr. Rodriguez was driving at a high rate of speed through the neighborhood and almost struck multiple children Trick or Treating. Rodriquez faces MULTIPLE CHARGES including Assault, Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting Arrest and multiple traffic charges. An arrest warrant has been issued for Rodriquez and will be served when he is released from medical care.
