BALTIMORE, Md., June 3, 2025 — Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced that no criminal charges will be filed against Calvert County Deputy First Class Taylor Strong following a fatal police-involved vehicle collision in Chesapeake Beach on November 16, 2024. The incident, which resulted in the death of 25-year-old Justin Foreman, occurred during a high-speed pursuit on Route 261.
The collision took place at approximately 8:50 p.m. when Deputy Strong, stationed in a marked cruiser near the intersection of Route 261 and 17th Street, observed a gold Ford Mustang driven by Foreman speeding southbound. Strong activated his emergency equipment and initiated a pursuit after Foreman failed to stop. The chase spanned 1.6 miles along Route 261, ending when Foreman’s vehicle veered off the road, crossed into oncoming traffic, struck a utility pole, and rolled over near Route 261 and Locust Grove Road. Despite efforts by Strong and another deputy to provide aid until emergency medical services arrived, Foreman was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Attorney General’s Office launched an investigation into the incident on November 16, 2024, concluding on May 29, 2025. The IID’s comprehensive review, detailed in its declination report, found no evidence that Deputy Strong committed a crime under Maryland law. The report includes an analysis of the pursuit, crash dynamics, and applicable legal standards, leading to the decision not to prosecute.
The pursuit began after Foreman’s vehicle was observed traveling at a high rate of speed, prompting Strong to attempt a traffic stop. The 1.6-mile chase occurred on a clear evening, with no adverse weather conditions reported. Foreman’s failure to stop and subsequent loss of control resulted in the fatal crash. The IID’s findings indicate that Strong adhered to departmental protocols during the pursuit, and no criminal intent or misconduct was identified.
Calvert County Sheriff’s Office policies require deputies to weigh the risks of pursuit against public safety. The IID examined whether Strong’s actions aligned with these guidelines, concluding that the deputy’s decision to pursue was within policy boundaries given the observed traffic violation. The report also notes that Foreman’s vehicle crossed the double yellow line independently, contributing to the collision.
This incident marks the third police-involved fatality investigated by the IID in Maryland during 2024. The division, established to ensure independent oversight of such cases, conducts thorough reviews to determine whether officers’ actions warrant criminal charges. In this case, the absence of evidence suggesting criminal conduct by Strong led to the declination of prosecution.
The Attorney General’s Office expressed condolences to Foreman’s family and emphasized its commitment to transparent investigations. The declination report is publicly available to provide clarity on the decision-making process. No further legal actions are anticipated in this case, though the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office may conduct an internal review to assess compliance with pursuit policies.
