Cambridge Man Arrested for Punching, Strangling Step-Child

CAMBRIDGE, Md. – The Cambridge Police Department (CPD) arrested a Cambridge man after school officials learned he allegedly strangled his step-child.

On Thursday, May 9, police arrested 26-year-old Ja’Shaun Shemor Dockins on an arrest warrant for charges of first and second degree assault, in addition to second degree child abuse. He was taken into custody at Maces Lane Middle School, and later released on his personal recognizance.

Police say the charges stem from an investigation that was conducted by CPD’s School Resource Officer at Maces Lane Middle School. At approximately 9:15 a.m. on May 1, CPD Officers were made aware of an instance of alleged child abuse that occurred in the 400 block of Charles Street. Officers met with the student and school officials, where it was reported that the juvenile had been in a verbal altercation with their sister and mother.

The student reported leaving for school after the verbal altercation when they were followed by their step-father, identified as Dockins, in a vehicle. The student reported that Dockins exited the vehicle, approached the victim, and put his hands on the juvenile for disrespecting their mother. The victim reported that Dockins then slammed the victim on the vehicle and then on to the ground. While on the ground, Dockins allegedly began to strangle the victim. It was reported that Dockins then dragged the student to the vehicle, and while inside, Dockins punched the victim in the face.

CPD Officers applied for charges on Dockins with the Court Commissioner who issued an arrest warrant.