Officer Assaulted, Another Nearly Disarmed While Investigating Reports of Shots Fired on Newtowne Drive in Annapolis, Police Department Alleges

An officer with the Annapolis Police Department was allegedly assaulted and another was nearly disarmed while conducting a shots fired on Newtowne Drive, according to a statement issued by department officials.

On July 4, 2023 at 9:21pm, officers responded to reports of shots fired in the 700 block of Newtowne Drive, the statement said. Officers reportedlt located an unoccupied vehicle and two unoccupied portable bathrooms that were struck by gunfire. The department said no victims or suspects were located.

While on the scene, investigators observed a subject start to light an illegal aerial firework. "An officer approached the subject and told him not to light it. The subject, later identified as Yameko Brown, 22, of Annapolis, responded with profanity. As the officer approached to place Brown under arrest, Brown pushed the officer, causing the officer to go to the ground," Annapolis Police said.  "Officers began to struggle to arrest Brown, resulting in an injury to one officer’s arm. Officers called for assistance as a crowd of people began to gather around Brown and the officers. "

The statement further alleged that after placing Brown in handcuffs, officers walked him to a police car for transport. "During this process, a female suspect from the crowd grabbed an officer’s handgun in the holster and attempted to remove it, trying to disarm him. When the officer blocked her from doing this, she ran off into the crowd.While still waiting for Brown to be transported, the female suspect returned and punched the officer. "

The female immediately ran into a building and a large crowd of people blocked officers and at least one other male suspect assaulted an officer, officials say. 

Officers are working to identify the female and male suspects, so they can be charged with the assaults. 

Brown was charged with discharging fireworks without a permit, possession of fireworks without a permit, two counts of second degree assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and failure to obey a reasonable and lawful order. He was released by the District Court Commissioner on his own recognizance.

***Any suspects/arrested/charged individuals and persons of interest named in the articles are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.***