Bodycam footage has shown how a traffic stop in Maryland developed into a police pursuit before ending in a fatal multi-vehicle crash on Route 301.
The incident happened on August 25, when deputies from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office stopped a silver Toyota near Leonardtown Road and Lakewood Drive in Waldorf at about 10.20am.
Video released on Wednesday shows the driver leaving the car while holding a Yorkshire terrier. As the driver stood outside, a woman who had been sitting in the front passenger seat moved behind the wheel.
Authorities say the woman pushed a deputy away from the door before driving off. Officials said she was wanted on almost 20 outstanding warrants across Prince George’s County, Montgomery County and Fairfax.
Maryland Route 301 police pursuit
A second passenger, 33-year-old Alexis Cummings, remained in the back of the vehicle as deputies and additional officers followed for nearly five miles.
The pursuit was abandoned after the Toyota crossed the central reservation and began travelling against traffic on Crain Highway towards Prince George’s County, according to investigators.
Shortly afterwards, near the county boundary and just south of McKendree Road, the fleeing vehicle collided with two cars that were not involved in the pursuit.
Cummings, from Temple Hills, was taken to hospital with serious injuries and later died. A woman travelling in one of the other vehicles was also injured and taken for treatment, while no officers were hurt.
The Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division is examining the circumstances of the crash, with assistance from the Maryland State Police Crash Team.
The two Charles County officers involved were identified as Police First Class Eddie Vanover, a five-year veteran, and Corporal Justin Bottorf, who has served for 13 years. Both were equipped with body-worn cameras and their vehicles had dash cameras.
Investigators have asked anyone with mobile-phone or private surveillance footage of the incident to come forward. The identities of those involved and the release of further material remain subject to the continuing investigation.
