Man Assaults Detective, Successfully Flees Officers, Then Returns

At 1:30 a.m. June 3, detectives from the St. Mary’s County Bureau of Criminal Investigations were in the Leonardtown area working a separate investigation when a suspicious vehicle was observed sitting in an intersection with its engine running and trunk lid open with two occupants inside.

The detectives approached the vehicle and made contact with the occupants identified as Charles Edwin Compton Jr., 19, Kristel Ann King, 22, both of Leonardtown.

During the course of speaking with the occupants, it was discovered that there were illegal controlled dangerous substances inside the vehicle. Compton attempted to flee the area on foot and assaulted one of the detectives in the process.

Detectives gave chase and Compton entered the woods and avoided apprehension. King then took control of the vehicle and fled the scene.

A K-9 Unit from the Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene and began a track of the suspect.

As officers began collecting evidence left behind from the fleeing vehicle, an unrelated vehicle attempted to pass the scene. Detectives questioned the driver to see if they had observed the fleeing suspect in the area at which time Compton was discovered hiding inside the vehicle. He again attempted to flee the area on foot at which time detectives and deputies struggled with Compton until he was placed into custody.

King’s purse was recovered at the scene and suspected Heroine, cocaine, smoking devices, and syringes were recovered by detectives.

Although King was able to avoid apprehension initially she turned herself in to deputies the following day.

Both subjects were charged and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. Compton was charged with Felony Assault on a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Heroine, and Possession of Paraphernalia. King was charged with Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Heroine, and Possession of Paraphernalia and Fleeing and Eluding Police in a Vehicle.

Additional charges of assault and resisting arrest are pending against Compton.