Arrest Made for 1st Degree Assault; Other Offenses- News Release

NEWS RELEASE City of Takoma Park Police Department * 7500 Maple Avenue * Takoma Park, Md 20912 For more information contact: Acting Public Information Officer (PIO) Andrew Gucciardo, 301/891.7130 or 240/328.4835 November 8, 2011 (12:30 p.m.) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chief Ronald A. Ricucci of the Takoma Park Police Department announces the arrest of Nerado Michael Byfield, 27, of New Carrollton, Maryland, for a 1st degree assault that occurred on November 7, 2011. Byfield was also charged with 2nd degree assault, destruction of property, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, theft over $1000.00, reckless endangerment, open alcohol container, resisting arrest, failure to obey a lawful order, disorderly conduct, intoxicated endangerment, and 34 traffic citations. On November 7, 2011 at approximately 4:56 p.m. an officer on patrol in the 7400 block of New Hampshire Avenue observed the suspect Nerado Byfield dragging a victim from a moving vehicle. Upon noticing the officer Byfield released the victim and fled the scene. The officer activated his emergency equipment and gave chase, but Byfield refused to pull over. The suspect then entered the southbound lane of New Hampshire Avenue and accelerated toward Sligo Creek Parkway where he was slowed to a near stop due to heavy traffic. Byfield then drove onto the median striking several vehicles causing minor property damage. He then returned to the roadway and aggressively attempted to side wipe another vehicle including an officer's marked police cruiser. Officers were then able to force the suspect's vehicle over to the curb, safely ending the chase. Byfield then bailed out of the vehicle and ran across the street into on coming traffic. Additional units responding to the area, surrounded the suspect and placed him under arrest. This was a severe incident that was brought to a successful end quickly by the Takoma Park Police Department without any injuries to Officers or citizens, due to the alertness of the officers involved. The Officer believed that an abduction was occurring initially, however the investigation revealed that it was a domestic violence assault in progress. The victim sustained minor injuries and refused medical treatment.