LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Nov. 16, 2009) - The Leonardtown Barrack of the Maryland State Police (MSP) today released the following incident and arrest report.
FALSE STATEMENT TO AVOID PROSECUTION: On Friday, November 14 at 1:28 am, James Donald Arney, 35, of Mechanicsville, was arrested by Cpl. M. W. Laney for providing a false name to avoid prosecution and DWI/DUI. Cpl. Laney was patrolling northbound Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown when he observed a black Ford Ranger approach his patrol vehicle from rear at a high rate of speed. The Ford truck was attempting to pass Cpl. Laney in a no passing zone and with south bound traffic was approaching. Cpl. Laney activated his emergency equipment and Mr. Arney pulled to the shoulder at Whirlwind Road. As Cpl. Laney made contact with Mr. Arney, a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was emitting from the vehicle and his breath. During the initial traffic stop, Mr. Arney provided a false name to avoid prosecution. Mr. Arney was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary's County Detention Center where he was held pending a bond review. Approximately one hour later after being fingerprinted at the Detention Center, the FBI returned the identification as Mr. Arney which was also confirmed through a MVA photograph. In addition to being charged with DWI/DUI and other related traffic charges, Mr. Arney was also charged with providing a false name to avoid prosecution.