A man held up a federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agent and nearly stole his car at gunpoint yesterday in Southeast Baltimore but was arrested after a foot chase, city police said.
Russell Lee Williams, 30, of the 800 block of N. Durham St. was charged with armed carjacking, using a handgun in the commission of a felony and possession of cocaine in connection with the incident.
Police said ATF Agent Dennis Turman, 34, had just unlocked his government-owned 1991 Toyota Lexus in the first block of N. Clinton St. at 6:45 a.m. when a man approached and asked for a ride to Fayette Street.
"Mr. Turman stated he wasn't going that way," said Agent Robert W. Weinhold Jr., a city police spokesman. "The man reached into his waistband, pulled out a semiautomatic handgun and said, 'Just give it all up.' "
The agent threw his car keys to the ground and ran about 10 yards down the street.
By the time he had turned around and taken out his handgun -- a Sigsauer 9mm -- the man was sitting in the car, police said.
Agent Turman pointed his gun at the man, identified himself as a police officer and demanded he get out of the vehicle.
"The suspect jumped out of the car, pointed his handgun back at the agent and then ducked behind the car for cover," Agent Weinhold said.
Police said the man ran south toward Baltimore Street.
Agent Turman chased the man for about three blocks, catching him at Fairmont and Ellwood avenues, police said.
A city police officer who happened to be in the area assisted in the arrest.
Agent Weinhold said police recovered a Baikal .380 semiautomatic handgun and two vials of cocaine from the man.
An ATF spokeswoman said the Lexus that Agent Turman was driving is a seized vehicle -- but she could not be more specific.
ATF agents are allowed to take their cars home.
