Multiple arrests after burglary, assault, and pursuit in Westminster
On Tuesday, May 14th, 2024, at approximately 8:17 AM, a concerned citizen called the Carroll County Emergency Communications Center regarding a suspicious U-Haul van with cardboard covering the registration plate that was parked at a residence in the 1000 block of Hemlock Lane, Westminster. Carroll County Sheriff’s Deputies responded, but the van was not immediately located.
The Deputies canvased the area, and eventually located the Ford Transit U-Haul van in the parking lot of the BJ’s on Market Street, Westminster. Several individuals were observed walking from the area of the parked van into the BJ’s store.
Soon after, the van pulled out of the parking lot and the Deputies conducted a traffic stop. The van’s driver and, at the time, only occupant was identified as Dwayne Ford Sr.
Ford was asked to exit the vehicle. He refused, and as a Deputy grabbed ahold of his arm to detain him, Ford put the vehicle into drive and accelerated away from the stop. In doing so, the van struck the Deputy’s arm. Fortunately, the Deputy was not injured.
Deputies pursued the van, which eventually ended up fleeing Eastbound on Rt. 140. As the van approached Bethel Road, the van began passing traffic on the shoulder and for safety reasons, Deputies called off the pursuit. Baltimore County Police were notified that the van was fleeing towards their jurisdiction, and they were able to track the van as it fled into Baltimore City. The van was eventually stopped by Baltimore City Police on Edmondson Avenue and Ford was taken into custody. Ford was transported back to Carroll County Central Booking.
Three other individuals exited the BJ’s store and were stopped and interviewed by Deputies. They were identified as Leon Dennis, Callie Morgan, and a third individual who eventually began to show signs of an overdose and was transported to Carroll Hospital Center for further care.
The following individuals have been charged in this incident. The fourth individual has been identified and information will be released once he is officially charged.
Dwayne Alphonse Ford Sr, a 56 year old male with a Baltimore, Maryland address, was charged with:
- Burglary, 4th degree
- Resist/Interfere with arrest
- Assault, 1st degree
- Assault, 2nd degree
- Multiple traffic citations related to fleeing from the initial stop
Leon Willie Dennis, a 34 year old male with a Forest Park, Maryland address, was charged with:
- Burglary, 4th degree
- Fraudulent personal identification to avoid prosecution.
Callie Parks Morgan, a 40 year old female with a Baltimore, Maryland address, was charged with:
- Burglary, 4th degree
(All individuals are presumed innocent of the pending charges until proven guilty in a court of law)
At the time of this news release, Dwayne Ford Sr and Leon Dennis are awaiting a bail review hearing, while Callie Morgan has been released.
Thanks to the Westminster Police Department, Baltimore County Police Department, and Baltimore City Police Department for their assistance in this incident.
