Opinion ID: 2819354
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Connecting the Crimes

Text: Shortly after Officer Poyner left the scene of the Kleederman carjacking, she happened to be driving toward the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Minnesota Avenue where the Dollar General store was located. It was evening by this time, but some daylight remained. 5 As she neared the intersection, Officer Poyner noticed the man whom she had seen running from the wooded area across Minnesota Avenue earlier in the afternoon. She testified at trial that she recognized his “clothing” and his “physical appearance.” Circling around to observe him, she saw him looking into cars at a Shell gas station next to the strip mall where Ms. Cannon sat waiting in Mr. Johnson’s car. Officer Poyner saw him approach and enter the driver seat of Mr. Johnson’s car while a woman sat in the passenger seat. In “a matter of seconds,” the car sped off and Officer Poyner followed in her personal vehicle while calling 911. The man drove erratically down Pennsylvania Avenue, Southeast, toward the Maryland border, weaving in and out of traffic and running traffic lights. Officer Poyner saw the passenger door open a couple of times and saw the man strike the woman on her head. Unable to 5 Officer Poyner testified that she did not remember how much time elapsed from when she witnessed appellant cross Minnesota Avenue until she left in her car to drive toward the intersection of Minnesota Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue, but stated that “some daylight” remained. 10 keep up with the speeding car, Officer Poyner returned to the strip mall and spoke with police officers.