Nov 1, 2007 1:03 pm US/Eastern
New Info Released On Suspect In Police Crash
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
The man accused of running down two Baltimore police detectives with his SUV now faces 14 charges including attempted murder.
Mike Hellgren reports a search of court records reveals Francis Stephen Lee has a long record of arrests, thefts, and drugs.
"I'm not talking about a dime-level dealer. This is the upper echelon of drug dealer in Baltimore City that we're subtracting out of the crime equation," said Deputy Commissioner Anthony Barsdale.
The detectives were standing outside their Hyundai in plain clothes trying to arrest Lee when, police say, he rammed into them.
This was a very deliberate attempt to injure severely several of our police officers," said Baltimore Commissioner Fred Bealfeld.
Investigators say Lee's one of the largest drug dealers in Baltimore. In addition to prior convictions, he's part of other ongoing investigations.
They captured inside the Cecil apartment complex after a massive manhunt and found cocaine, marijuana, and cash.
"He's a violent offender in the city. He's someone who's contributing to the daily violence here in Baltimore," said Bealfeld.
With a crackdown on guns and drugs citywide, Baltimore's officers have dangerous jobs.
"More and more, the police are encountering armed, violent suspects," said Sterling Clifford of the Baltimore City Police.
Just this week, a murder suspect jumped ten stories to his death after overpowering an officer and reaching for his gun.
In another case, an officer shot and killed a 15-year-old who police say pulled a loaded gun on him.
In July, two officers were shot in broad daylight while in a marked car, and in January, officer Troy Chesley was shot too, the last to die.
"We have to stop these senseless killings," said Mayor Sheila Dixon.
Despite the high cost, the police mission of cleaning up the city has not changed.
"We're dedicated, and we're undeterred, and unshaken," said Bealfeld.
There is a bond hearing for Francis Lee Friday morning.
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