Published: May 02, 2008 11:59 am      

Cops catch city man trying to dump crack

CUMBERLAND - A city man was arrested on various charges Wednesday night after he allegedly struck a city police officer with his vehicle as he drove off during a traffic stop on Park Street.

Cumberland Police said Lateef Roberto Fisher, 30, was stopped while operating his 1996 Dodge at 8:46 p.m. for an alleged traffic violation observed by an officer on patrol.

During the stop, Fisher started his vehicle and drove away, despite efforts by an officer to stop him by reaching through the driver's window.

Fisher drove to eastbound Interstate 68 with officers in pursuit. The officers observed Fisher throwing items out of his vehicle before he finally pulled over for police in the area of Hillcrest Drive. Fisher was then taken into custody without further incident.

Police recovered 10 baggies of crack cocaine that were contained in a larger bag.

City Police Capt. Kevin Ogle said the officer involved in the stop did not require medical treatment of his injuries. "He was struck by the driver's door when the suspect pulled out," said Ogle.

Fisher was charged with possession of narcotics with intent to distribute, possession of crack cocaine and possession of controlled dangerous substance packing material.

He also was charged with second-degree assault on a police officer, failure to remain at the scene of a vehicle accident and eluding police by failing to stop.

Thursday afternoon, Fisher remained jailed in the Allegany County Detention Center on $160,000 bond following bail review in district court. Fisher's bond was set initially at $750,000 by a court commissioner prior to the review hearing.