BALTIMORE, MD (June 10, 2024) – The Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division (IID) has released body-worn camera footage from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, depicting the fatal police pursuit that started in Calvert County and concluded in Anne Arundel County on May 13, 2024. The IID continues to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the deadly incident.
The chase began in the early hours of May 13, 2024, after Calvert County Sheriff’s deputies responded to numerous reports of vehicle break-ins in Huntingtown. During their investigation, deputies identified a suspicious car believed to be connected to the break-ins. At around 5:35 a.m., deputies attempted to stop the vehicle near Plum Point Road and Ridge Road in Huntingtown. However, the driver refused to comply, initiating a pursuit that extended approximately 25 miles into Anne Arundel County.
Link to video: https://youtu.be/8lMDAEUPvCA?si=D4wIPY6PknlmU7R3
The pursuit ended tragically when the fleeing vehicle collided with a pick-up truck at the intersection of Birdsville Road and Solomons Island Road in Harwood. The driver of the pick-up truck sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The three occupants of the pursued vehicle were also hospitalized. The front seat passenger, a juvenile female, was later pronounced dead. The driver of the vehicle suffered critical injuries, while the rear passenger incurred non-life-threatening injuries.
The IID has committed to releasing the names of the deputies involved within two business days, barring any specific threats to the officers’ safety. The identity of the deceased juvenile is being withheld to comply with juvenile privacy laws.
The body-worn camera footage release is part of the IID’s standard procedure, typically occurring within 20 business days of an incident. However, this period can be extended for various reasons, such as the need to conduct additional witness interviews, technical delays related to shielding civilian identities, or providing the family of the deceased an opportunity to view the footage before its public release.
The IID’s ongoing investigation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the events leading to the fatal crash. The footage is expected to play a crucial role in this investigation, offering insights into the deputies’ actions and the sequence of events during the pursuit.
The fatal crash has drawn attention to the policies and practices surrounding police pursuits, particularly those involving minor suspects. Advocacy groups and community members are calling for a review of pursuit protocols to prevent future tragedies.
The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office has not yet commented on the incident, pending the outcome of the investigation. Meanwhile, the IID continues to gather evidence and interview witnesses to ensure a thorough and transparent review of the case.
This incident underscores the complex balance law enforcement must maintain between apprehending suspects and ensuring public safety. The release of the body-worn camera footage is a step towards transparency and accountability, providing the public with a clearer view of the incident.
As the investigation progresses, the IID will provide updates and ensure that the findings are shared with the public. The ultimate goal is to ensure justice and prevent similar incidents in the future.