Published: June 18, 2007 12:04 pm         

Police chase down youth camp escapees

BACKBONE MOUNTAIN - An 18-year-old woman who allegedly helped two juveniles escape from a local youth camp Saturday is facing criminal charges for her actions, which police say include trying to run over a camp counselor who was in pursuit on a motorcycle.

Police in the McHenry area broadcast word of the 6 p.m. escape from Backbone Mountain Youth Center after they received a report that the woman was driving a dark-colored vehicle with the two teen boys inside.

"One of the youth counselors saw them run, and he ... jumped on his motorcycle and followed them," state police Tfc. E.S. Schramm said.

Less than 20 minutes later, a Maryland Natural Resources Police officer spotted the black 2006 Mazda 626 as it was headed north on state Route 36 near Lonaconing. As the NRP officer tried to stop the vehicle, one of the teens got out of the car near the Iron Furnace, fleeing on foot. The officer continued pursuing the vehicle, as camp counselors apprehended the teen.

When the vehicle approached George's Creek Elementary School, the second teen also got out, and was apprehended a short distance from the road, police said.

During the pursuit, the Mazda was traveling at speeds of up to 90 miles, Schramm said, which ultimately led police to block the southbound lane of Route 36 near a curve between Midland and Vale Summit Road, fearing the aggressive driving would result in a head-on collision.

As the pursuit approached Westmar High School, "on three separate occasions, she swerved her vehicle to try to strike the counselor following on the motorcycle," Schramm said.

While the two escapees were being chased by police and camp counselors, the pursuit continued along Route 36. Troopers eventually found the Mazda and stopped it just south of the Mountainview Landfill, where they arrested Sharon G. Smith, 18, of Edgewood.

"We put out stop sticks in the northbound lane but just prior to where they were she ... just pulled over and gave herself up," Schramm said. "She didn't resist."

Smith was charged with first-degree assault, first-degree escape, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of contributing to the condition of a child and numerous traffic offenses, including fleeing and eluding, speeding and reckless driving.

"Driving like that, a vehicle is considered a deadly weapon of course, because it can cause enough harm to kill somebody," Shramm said. The aggressive driving led to the assault charge.

The pursuit began in Garrett County, but ended in Allegany County. Because Smith was arrested in Allegany County, she was taken before a district court commissioner there. Her bond was set at $50,000 and she remained in the Allegany County Detention Center late Sunday.

The two youths, ages 14 and 17, are from the Baltimore area. They were charged with escape and handed over to the Department of Juvenile Justice. Shramm said authorities don't know how they made contact with Smith, who he believes is either a friend or girlfriend of one of the teens.

Maryland State Police at McHenry barrack was in charge of the investigation. Assistance during the pursuit was also provided by state police from the LaVale barrack and Westernport City Police.

Daleen Berry can be reached at dberry@times-news.com.