Police tracked down and arrested a Cobb Island woman with multiple open warrants Wednesday after she tried to choke down prescription medication during a traffic stop, Maryland State Police reported.

Tfc. M. Newman went to the Walmart in La Plata at 5:40 p.m. to help Cpl. Posey of the La Plata Police Department investigate a possible theft in progress and find Samantha Marie Shadrick, 30, of Cobb Island, who had several open warrants in Charles and St. Mary’s counties.

Shadrick had left the Walmart by the time the two officers arrived, and a lookout was broadcast for the white Chevrolet pickup truck she was traveling in.

Five minutes later another lookout indicated Shadrick was at the Target store in La Plata.

Newman and Posey went to the store and spotted a white Chevrolet pickup truck leaving the area. They pulled the truck over and identified the rear passenger as Shadrick.

Newman asked Shadrick to get out of the truck and noticed she was deliberately taking her time doing so.

As she got out the truck, Shadrick had her hand balled into a fist and refused to open it for Newman. Then she quickly shoved the suspected drugs she was holding into her mouth.

Shadrick initially refused to spit out the drugs, but Newman saw her spit out three white pills after taking her into custody. Shadrick also tried to kick Newman and began screaming profanities.

Officers confirmed that Shadrick was wanted in Charles County on two open warrants for theft of less than $1,000 and second-degree assault, as well as an open criminal summons for theft of less than $1,000. Another check showed she was wanted on two more open warrants in St. Mary’s County.

Shadrick was taken to Charles County jail and charged with disorderly conduct, second-degree assault of a law enforcement officer and drug possession.

Posey also filed charges against Shadrick accusing her of theft, theft scheme and drug possession. She is being held on combined bail of $16,057.50, according to online court records.

JEFF NEWMAN