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Police: Taxicab driver fights off attempted carjacker with help of witnesses

A taxi driver was about to take a fair when she was told that the rider had a firearm and intended to take the car.

FREDERICK, Md. — On Tuesday at around 8:25 a.m. officers from the Frederick Police Department were called to the Unit block of South East Street for a robbery. 

When they arrived they learned a female taxi driver was almost carjacked. The woman suffered minor injuries, according to the Frederick Police Department. 

Officers said the unidentified taxi driver stated that a man wearing a white sleeveless shirt and white shorts approached her and asked the taxi cab to drive him to a local store. 

The man, who was later identified as 46-year-old Lafayette Thompson Sheffield, allegedly then told the driver he had a gun and intended to carjack her, according to investigators.   

Sheffield then reportedly got into a physical altercation with the victim. Police said he choked the driver as he tried to gain access to the car. During the altercation, bystanders began to came to assist the victim, and Sheffield ran.

More officers responded and conducted a police K9 search of the area. During that search, a resident called to report a man hiding in the area of B&O Avenue and Water Street. 

Police responded to the area and were able to locate Sheffield based on the description from the victim. He was taken into custody without incident. The victim later positively identified Sheffield as her attacker.

Officers later located several packages of suspected controlled dangerous substances on Sheffield’s person consistent with white powdered substances such as cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. Police have said the approximate value of the drugs is between $800 and $1,600. 

Detectives also located more than $700 cash on Mr. Sheffield’s person in small bills.

As a result, Sheffield faces several charges, including:

  • Reckless endangerment
  • Armed Robbery
  • Carjacking
  • Armed Carjacking
  • Unlawful taking of a motor vehicle
  • Theft of $1,000-$10,000
  • Possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance

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