JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Members of the 316th Security Forces Squadron worked jointly with Maryland State Police to apprehend two suspected base exchange shoplifters trying to flee the installation Jan. 22.
This security partnership comes days after the completion of a joint training exercise between 316 SFS members and members of the Maryland State Police Special Tactical Assault Team Element on Joint Base Andrews Jan. 19.
"We have worked jointly with Maryland State Police to complete missions in the past," said Inspector Alan Mannix, 316 SFS criminal investigator and lead investigator for the Jan. 22 incident. "They are a great asset in keeping the base populous safe."
Employees of the base exchange placed a call to the 316 SFS after detaining the suspects on the premises reporting that they were trying to steal from the store.
Shortly after being notified that one of the suspects was attempting an escape, 316 SFS members locked down the installation and called the Maryland State Police for air support.
"Myself and another Airman called in Maryland State Police helicopters to assist in the apprehension of one of the suspects who fled," said Investigator Mannix.
SFS members secured the perimeter of the base while state police caused the suspect to leave the shelter of a wooded area by using their helicopter.
"The suspect that ran was apprehended by Tech. Sgt. Lamar Robinson, 316 SFS assistant flight chief," said Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Owens, 316 SFS operations superintendent.
The other suspect was apprehended near the installation's Burger King restaurant by Inspector Mannix. He also searched the suspect's vehicle after apprehension.
"Through his experience and training, Investigator Mannix was able to respond without (hesitation)," said Sergeant Owens. "All of his decisions were right on point."
The apprehension of the suspects was also due in part to members of the base populous reporting activity that concerned them.
"Burger King employees, a sergeant within the The Club [at Andrews] as well as BX employees played a part in the apprehension by maintaining their situational awareness and notifying 316 SFS members of suspicious activity," said Sergeant Owens.
The recent joint training exercise as well as past training played an integral part in the suspects' apprehension.
"To prepare for incidents such as this, we train as a unit, as well as with the Maryland State Police team," said Investigator Mannix.
In the end, 316 SFS members were commended by their peers and partners.
"Our 316 SFS Airmen did an excellent job locking down the perimeter of the base to prevent the suspects from fleeing," said Investigator Mannix. "A Maryland State Police member even mentioned that it was refreshing to see that kind of mission execution."