A Germantown man faces serious charges after an altercation with police officers at a Rockville school. The incident, which saw the man drive erratically in a school parking lot before resisting arrest, ended with minor injuries to two off-duty Montgomery County Police officers.
The trouble began when Joseph Amr Khairy Abdalla, 38, repeatedly circled the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in his vehicle—despite lacking the appropriate student pick-up pass. According to the Montgomery County Police Department, he was warned and directed away by the officers, but persisted, eventually plowing through traffic cones and driving against the flow of traffic.
Once the vehicle was stopped, Abdalla's reluctance to cooperate escalated the situation. He refused to exit the car or identify himself, and a physical tussle ensued as officers attempted to remove him. During this struggle, a pocketknife fell from Abdalla's person. The officers eventually subdued and arrested him, while themselves suffering minor injuries in a process.
Abdalla was charged with multiple counts including assault, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. He has been taken to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit. In a statement released by the Montgomery County Police Department, Chief Yamada emphasized the officers' quick response, saying, "The actions of these officers shows our heightened efforts to protect our community and the courage of officers to take decisive action for the safety of all." There has been no evidence found indicating any harm intended towards individuals at the school.
