On May 17 at approximately 3 a.m., Trooper J. Wilson was working radar on U.S. 301, just north of VFW Road, in Waldorf when he observed a vehicle traveling northbound at what seemed to be a high rate of speed.
Wilson obtained a reading on his radar unit that the vehicle was traveling 77 mph in a posted 45 mph zone. Wilson initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, a red Dodge Magnum. Wilson made contact with the driver, Odell Gregory Gilliam, 35, of Washington, D.C.
Wilson noticed Gilliam’s eyes were red and watery and his speech was slightly slurred. There was a very strong odor of alcoholic beverage emitting from the vehicle. Wilson had Gilliam perform standardized field sobriety test, which he failed.
Gilliam was then arrested for driving under the influence.
The passenger, Cornel Arthur Pearson was removed from the vehicle and the vehicle was searched incident to arrest. A partially burned marijuana cigarette was found in the ash tray of the vehicle, which Gilliam stated was his and not Pearson’s.
Gilliam was transported to the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack for processing. He was then transported to the Charles County Detention Center for further processing. Gilliam was charged with marijuana possession, driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence and exceeding the maximum speed limit.
This activity report was provided by a Southern Maryland law enforcement agency as a public service to the community. It is not a complete account of events, and all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in court.