For anyone who didn't see this in the Post. Its kinda a funny story, I tried to link it but the link didn't work.....here ya go!
Md. Suspect Elusive in More Ways Than One
Arrest After Chase Doesn't End Story
By Nick Anderson
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, February 6, 2006; Page B01
The driver of a souped-up yellow Corvette led police on a wild chase Friday night from a Rockville restaurant through sleepy residential neighborhoods, cutting through yards, escaping police in a cul-de-sac, racing down parkways and almost running down two officers.
Police cornered the suspect in a North Potomac townhouse, blew open the door and arrested him early Saturday on charges of assault and several major traffic violations, including an outstanding warrant from an alleged hit-and-run incident in 1997.
Graphic
Anatomy of a Chase
Who's Blogging?
Read what bloggers are saying about this article.
Hello, MoCo: The Montgomery County Blog
Full List of Blogs (1 links) »
Most Blogged About Articles
On washingtonpost.com | On the web
They thought they had snared a motoring menace. But hours later, Thomas J. Hayes, 39, was released from custody after posting bond, police said.
Yesterday, Hayes was behind the wheel again, police said, even though his license was revoked years ago. Officers spotted him driving a Lexus and then an Acura. Hayes was arrested again, this time at Clyde's Tower Oaks Lodge in Rockville.
Same restaurant, different cars.
Police said they hope to keep him in jail for a bit longer -- at least until prosecutors can try him.
"He has a serious driving problem, and he is a threat to the community," Officer John Romack said. The 21-year veteran of the Montgomery County police force knows a few things about Hayes.
Romack said he chased Hayes nine years ago down Sam Eig Highway in a high-speed pursuit involving a collision that seriously injured two innocent people. Hayes eluded arrest and moved to Florida, where he allegedly had more run-ins with the law, said Romack, who kept a file on him.
At 8:37 p.m. Friday, Romack was in a black unmarked Crown Victoria when he picked up Hayes's trail again outside the Clyde's on Preserve Parkway. He noticed the driver of the yellow Corvette revving his engine at a stop sign and stoplight and skidding sharply on turns, even hitting a curb. Romack pulled him over on Wootton Parkway to check for the influence of alcohol. The driver's face seemed familiar.
"White male, brown hair. Very GQ. Good-looking man. I could recognize him," Romack recalled in a telephone interview. "I didn't know his name."
Before Romack could get more than a glimpse, however, the driver gunned the engine and took off, heading west. Romack said he followed, clocking 90 mph in a 35 mph zone, but lost his quarry near Thomas S. Wootton High School. Romack was struck by the driver's skill.
The traffic officer pulled into some side streets southwest of Wootton Parkway, where he chanced upon the Corvette on Veirs Drive with its headlights off. Romack gave chase again through a poorly lighted neighborhood with curvy streets and sharply angled intersections. The suspect went through some yards and again eluded Romack.
By this time, police helicopters and other patrol cars had joined the chase as it careered through Overlea Drive, Valley Drive, Foxden Drive and other streets. The Corvette got stuck in one yard, and Romack thought he had him. Instead, the officer found himself dodging into bushes to avoid being run over. The Corvette sped down Southwood Drive, a cul-de-sac, but crossed more yards, evading police.
Another officer spotted the car on Travilah Road, to the west, but had to swerve to avoid a head-on collision. Finally, police found the Corvette about 9:30 on a small street in Dufief Mill Estates in North Potomac, Romack said. The car was hidden under blankets. Police dogs tracked a scent to a nearby townhouse.
Susan Greenspoon and her husband, who live nearby, heard a hubbub.
"They were searching everywhere. They had canine units, helicopters, SWAT teams, snipers in the bushes, everything," Greenspoon said. Police hauled the Corvette away. Eventually, they obtained a warrant to enter the townhouse, which police said was the residence of a woman who knew Hayes.
"They blew the door right out," Greenspoon said. "We heard a loud explosion at 5 after 5 in the morning. It was a blast. They went in forcefully."
Romack said Hayes was charged with two counts of second-degree assault against a police officer, speeding, reckless driving and other charges from the 1997 incident. Romack said he alerted the courts that Hayes was a flight risk. A court commissioner set his bail Saturday at $27,000, Romack said. By 8 that night, Hayes had posted bond and was free.
The administrative commissioner for Montgomery County District Court, Charles W. Peters, did not respond to e-mail or phone messages seeking comment yesterday. A commissioner on duty declined to comment.
On his day off yesterday, Romack fumed about Hayes's quick release. Then came a one-in-a-million turn of events. An officer who participated in the arrest Saturday morning was eating lunch at the Rockville Clyde's. He overheard a fellow named Hayes asking about a lost credit card. The officer called Romack, who told him that Hayes had no right to drive a car.
Hayes drove away in a Lexus. Police then suggested that the restaurant management call Hayes and ask him to return and pick up his credit card. Shortly before 2 p.m., he came back, this time in an Acura. Police handcuffed him. Romack said yesterday afternoon that Hayes was being booked again on various traffic and criminal charges.
"Can they keep him under lock and key this time?" Greenspoon asked.
Late last night, Romack said Hayes's bail for the new charges had been set at $7,500.<
wow, long read, but damn. thats just NFSU gone wild, lol
Yeah it's crazy. Romack is actually a pretty tight cop. It was pretty funny to read about all this, esp since it happened at whats now a 'hot spot' for people to meet up.
That is messed up. I though our court systems sucked up here.
There was suppose to be a follow up today, but I can't find it.
Why not ? Look harder !
Semper Fi SAINT. May you rest in peace.
Im trying, grrr...it was easier when I had the paper in front of me....but the paper guy came after I left for work so I dunno where it is!!
Sorry no luck. I guess they didn't do a follow up! Oh well....the guy is free now. I seriously wonder if they will ever just keep him out. But then again when you have that kind of money and frequent the same spot for the same thing, I guess it's just a matter of wanting your name in the paper!
some people have so much money they just don't care, or his credit card accounts are huge.
-Chris
From what Im hearing this guys loaded. Seriously, I guess he can't do anything better with his money. Kinda like Dado, still drove with no id and got arrested so many times.....but he had the money to bail his ass out!
M I N I O N - Sinbird wrote:Wow, that all makes me feel good actually.
I have no comment lol! But you prolly know what I would say
