Chillum, MD (March 3, 2025) – A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a vehicle during a police pursuit in Prince George’s County on Friday night, prompting an investigation by the Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division (IID).
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred at approximately 10:15 p.m. on February 28, when an officer with the Hyattsville City Police Department attempted a traffic stop on a Lincoln sedan in the 3300 block of East-West Highway. The driver initially complied but then fled westbound on East-West Highway, leading to a brief pursuit.
The officer called off the chase near the intersection of East-West Highway and 23rd Avenue. However, the fleeing driver continued at high speed, veered onto the shoulder of the highway, and struck a pedestrian. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Lincoln was taken into custody and transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The involved officer was equipped with a body-worn camera, and the patrol vehicle was outfitted with a dash camera.
The Maryland State Police Crash Team is assisting IID investigators in determining the circumstances leading up to the crash. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the IID at (410) 576-7070 or via email at IID@oag.state.md.us.
Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Pedestrian Safety and High-Speed Collisions
High-speed crashes involving pedestrians are often fatal due to the force of impact and the lack of protection for those on foot. Roadways such as East-West Highway, which experience heavy traffic and frequent police activity, pose additional risks when drivers fail to obey traffic laws or engage in reckless behavior.
Law enforcement officers are trained to weigh the risks of vehicle pursuits against public safety concerns. When a suspect flees, officers must decide whether pursuing the vehicle poses more danger than allowing the suspect to escape temporarily. In this case, the officer discontinued the pursuit before the crash occurred, but the driver’s continued reckless actions led to tragedy.
Pedestrian accidents often result in devastating consequences for victims and their families, who may face emotional and financial burdens in the aftermath. Understanding legal rights and potential avenues for justice is essential for those affected by such incidents.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by a serious crash, contact Local Accident Reports for assistance.