The Maryland Attorney General’s Office Independent Investigations Division (IID) has identified the officers involved in a December 3, 2024, vehicle collision in La Plata, Charles County, Maryland, following a police pursuit. The La Plata Police Department officers are Police Officer First Class Jacob Shuar, a two-year veteran, and Corporal Tommy Johnston, a 20-year veteran, both assigned to the Patrol Division. The Charles County Sheriff’s Deputy is Corporal Katie Bottorf, a nine-year veteran also assigned to the Patrol Division.
Incident Overview
The incident began at approximately 3:46 a.m. on December 3, when authorities in King George County, Virginia, reported an armed robbery at a local business. Deputies from the King George County Sheriff’s Office located the suspects’ vehicle, which was later confirmed as stolen, and attempted a traffic stop. The suspects fled, leading to a high-speed pursuit that crossed the Nice-Middleton Memorial Bridge into Maryland.
Maryland Transportation Authority Police joined the chase as the suspects continued north on Crain Highway toward La Plata. Officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and the La Plata Police Department deployed stop sticks, which the suspects’ vehicle struck. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle collided with another car traveling on Crain Highway near Charles Street, disabling both vehicles.
Injuries and Response
Emergency responders secured the scene and provided aid to those involved. One suspect was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the second suspect was taken to a hospital in critical condition. The driver of the civilian vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was also transported for treatment.
The Maryland State Police are leading the investigation into the crash. In accordance with Maryland law, the Maryland Attorney General’s Office Independent Investigations Division was notified and has assumed the investigation.
Related Incident in Virginia
This pursuit follows another recent high-speed chase involving King George County deputies. On November 27, 2024, deputies attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling south on Route 301 in Dahlgren with only one functioning light. The driver refused to stop, accelerating and initiating a pursuit that extended into Caroline County.
During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle stopped abruptly, causing a deputy to swerve to avoid a collision. The suspect then intentionally struck the deputy’s patrol car, causing significant damage and injuring the officer. The suspect vehicle subsequently overturned, trapping a passenger inside. The driver fled on foot but was quickly apprehended by King George deputies. Both suspects and the deputy were transported to Mary Washington Hospital for evaluation. The deputy was treated and released, returning to complete their shift.
Authorities confirmed that both suspects in the earlier incident are Maryland residents, and charges are pending. The King George Sheriff’s Office extended gratitude to partner agencies, including the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, and local fire and rescue teams, for their assistance.
Investigation Ongoing
The investigations into both incidents remain active. No additional details, including the identities of the suspects, have been released. Authorities have not indicated whether the two pursuits are connected.
