Crime & Safety

Man Screaming, Jumping on Cars Arrested After Struggle with Police

Gaithersburg police struggled with a man who reportedly tried to grab an officer's weapon. He was charged with possession of a dangerous substance, assault and other crimes.

A Gaithersburg man who was described by callers to 911 as yelling and screaming while lying on the ground outside a building was arrested after allegedly fighting with police officers.

According to a news release, officers from the Gaithersburg Police Department arrested Henry Fuchs, 48, of Teachers Way in Gaithersburg for assault, disarming of a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and possession of controlled dangerous substances after a struggle with police.

Bystanders in the 100 block of Teachers Way called 911 about 5 p.m. Monday to report that Fuchs was lying on the ground in front of a building and then got up and began running around the parking garage screaming and jumping on cars.  As on officer got out of his patrol car, Fuchs reportedly charged at him, pinning the officer’s arm against the car door. 

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Police say Fuchs then choked the pinned officer, who freed himself and a physical struggle ensued.  During the fight Fuchs allegedly ignored the officer’s orders to stop resisting. One officer equipped with a Taser decided not to use it on Fuchs because he did not have a good target area and other officers were already attempting to gain control. 

Officers recognized that Fuchs may have been under the influence of narcotics and suffering from an altered state of consciousness. During the struggle, Fuchs attempted to remove an officer’s handgun from its holster, but was unsuccessful, police said. He was placed into a recovery position to prevent asphyxiation and was taken to an area hospital for medical treatment and evaluation.  

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After his release from the hospital Tuesday, an arrest warrant was executed. Fuchs is currently being held at the Montgomery County Detention Center. 

“I commend the officers for their restraint and professionalism in the handling of this situation and taking all of the necessary steps to prevent any further harm to this individual,” said Police Chief Mark P. Sroka in a statement. “Mental illness is a serious concern and we want citizens to know that our officers are being trained on how to recognize those signs and how to deal with them.”  

Residents wishing to seek treatment for mental illness or who may know someone seeking treatment can contact the following organizations for assistance:

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