Elkton, MD – Maryland State Police troopers from the North East Barrack arrested a Rising Sun man Tuesday afternoon after he allegedly stole a vehicle with a dog inside and led officers on a short pursuit through Cecil County.
According to Maryland State Police, 24-year-old John Wells is charged with unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen firearm, animal cruelty, and multiple traffic offenses including reckless and negligent driving.
The incident began shortly after 3 p.m. Tuesday when troopers responded to a business on Fletchwood Road in Elkton for a report of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle’s owner told police the suspect fled in the car while he was inside a nearby business.
After a brief pursuit, police said Wells abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot before being taken into custody without incident. A loaded handgun was recovered at the scene.
Investigators believe the suspect let the dog out of the vehicle before fleeing. The dog was safely recovered by a citizen and turned over to animal control.
Wells was transported to the Cecil County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond.
