Suspect still at large following pursuit, seizure of weapons in Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE, Md. – Police are continuing to search for a subject wanted for fleeing from a traffic stop in the Cambridge area Tuesday morning.

At around 10:45 a.m., officers on patrol in the area of Maces Lane and Bayly Road witnessed a vehicle committing traffic violations for speeding and crossing the center line of the roadway. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle, and before making contact with the occupants, the officer reportedly noticed a considerable amount of movement by the passengers.

The officer then made contact with the driver, identified as 31-year-old Rhashean Moaney, who allegedly appeared to be overly nervous for a traffic stop. The officer requested a K-9 Unit to respond to sniff for potential controlled dangerous substances in the vehicle.

While waiting for an additional officer to arrive, a wanted check was conducted on Moaney, at which point the dispatch center advised that he had a potential warrant. The officers then approached the vehicle again and asked for Moaney and the passenger to step out of the vehicle. Moaney then put his vehicle in drive and fled from the traffic stop.

Officers began pursuing the vehicle as it traveled towards the Church Creek area, driving in a reckless manner and passing other vehicles at a high rate of speed. As the vehicle was passing the area of Emily’s Produce, officers observed a large white smoke cloud coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was then seen on the wrong side of the roadway, traveling into the grass area off of the shoulder, coming to rest near a ditch. Moaney was then seen fleeing from the vehicle on foot into a heavily wooded area. The passenger, who stayed in the vehicle, was quickly detained.

Moaney was pursued through the woods, but the officer lost sight of him due to the area being heavily wooded. Information was also relayed to officers to use caution that Moaney was suspected to be involved with firearms and could be armed. Another CPD officer on scene reportedly observed magazines from an AR/AK style platform rifle in plain sight inside the vehicle. A perimeter was set up in the area and an extensive search was conducted in an attempt to locate Moaney. While searching, officers obtained information that a subject matching his description was able to maneuver through the wooded area around officers and was picked up by a vehicle in the area of Rock Drive.

A search of the vehicle was conducted before it was removed by a tow truck, resulting in the recovery of multiple firearms.

Officers then responded to a residence associated with Moaney in the 800 block of Hubbard Street, and a search was conducted, leading to the discovery of a large assortment of ammunition, gun manufacturing equipment, multiple polymer 80 “Ghost Gun” frames, associated gun parts, an additional shotgun, Crack Cocaine, manufacturing materials for Crack Cocaine, and related CDS paraphernalia. Further investigation of Moaney also revealed that he is prohibited from possessing firearms.

Police say at this time, Moaney has not been located. He does have pending charges related to this incident and is considered to be armed and dangerous. Officials say if Moaney is encountered or observed, he should not be approached. Information should be relayed to law enforcement immediately.