Stolen car, gun, and dog at center of Cecil County chase arrest
ELKTON, MD — A Rising Sun man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after allegedly stealing a vehicle with a dog inside and leading Maryland State Police on a brief pursuit through Cecil County before being taken into custody.
Troopers from the Maryland State Police North East Barrack arrested 24-year-old John Wells after responding to a report of a stolen vehicle just after 3 p.m. at a business on Fletchwood Road in Elkton. According to police, the vehicle’s owner told investigators he left the car running with a dog inside while he went into the business. When he returned, the car was gone.
Wells was located a short time later, and after a brief pursuit, he abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. He was quickly apprehended by troopers without further incident. A loaded handgun was recovered from the scene.
While abandoning the car, Wells allegedly let the dog out of the vehicle. The animal was safely picked up by a bystander and turned over to Animal Control, police said.
Wells is facing multiple charges including unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen firearm, animal cruelty, and additional related offenses. He also received numerous traffic citations, including reckless and negligent driving.
He was transported to the Cecil County Detention Center, where he is currently being held without bond.
——
Key Points
- John Wells, 24, of Rising Sun, was arrested after allegedly stealing a car with a dog inside in Elkton
- Police recovered a loaded handgun and say Wells abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot
- The dog was safely recovered by a citizen and turned over to animal control