On Sept. 30, at 3:31 p.m., a Charles County Sheriff’s officer observed a vehicle leaving the parking lot of a metal recycling business on Route 488 in La Plata at a high rate of speed.
The car had a significant amount of copper piping in the back seat. The driver narrowly missed a passing motorist and continued toward Route 5. The officer initiated a traffic stop but the driver refused to stop and drove south in the northbound lanes of Route 5. The driver lost control of the car and struck a parked car in front of Corner Liquors where his vehicle became disabled.
The driver, David Allen Cooper, 30 of St. Leonard, fled on foot but was apprehended by assisting officers.
He was charged with numerous traffic citations including negligent driving and reckless driving. It has not been determined if the copper piping was stolen.