Armed Carjacker Dies While Fleeing Police, Mom Demands Answers: ‘He Was Not A Criminal’
Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in January 2019, amid nationwide discussion regarding police accountability and the relationship between police officers and their communities
Carjacking Suspect Fatally Struck by Police Car During Pursuit
In a tragic incident, a carjacking suspect was fatally struck by a police car while attempting to flee along with two others. The deceased suspect, identified as 20-year-old Dion Lamar Taylor, lived just one block away from the crash site.
“The whole time I’m trying to find my son not knowing that he was underneath the car, and I’m running around looking for him, and I couldn’t find them, and I’m calling in and I’m texting him and there was no response. My son was running through the street up here, police came this way, and one came that way crashed into them and then ran him over,”
said Teisha Cook, who learned about her son’s death caused by a Baltimore County police car near their residence, in an interview with 11 News.
According to law enforcement officials, Taylor and two other suspects carjacked a pizza delivery person in the 3400 block of Merle Drive in Woodlawn around 4 p.m. Shortly after, police spotted the stolen vehicle, initiating a pursuit that led to Essex and Liberty roads in Baltimore County, ultimately concluding at the intersection of Northern Parkway and Highgate Drive.
During the chase, a handgun was tossed out of the car’s window, which was later recovered. As the suspects exited the moving vehicle at the intersection of Northern Parkway and Liberty Road, one of the Baltimore County police cruisers collided with the car, while another pursued the fleeing individuals. Tragically, Taylor was struck by the cruiser as he turned onto Highgate Drive.
Baltimore County police Cpl. Shawn Vinson clarified, “From what we can tell at this point, there’s nothing that shows that this officer intentionally struck the suspect.” The county police affirmed that the officers involved followed proper procedures, but due to the ongoing investigation, additional details cannot be disclosed.
However, Cook is demanding answers and seeking clarity surrounding the incident. She emphatically stated, “He was not a criminal. My son was a homebody.”
A 16-year-old named Taron Kelly was arrested in connection with the incident. He faces charges of armed robbery, armed carjacking, motor vehicle theft, possession of a handgun, and being a minor in possession of a handgun. Kelly has been charged as an adult and is currently held without bond. The third suspect involved in the carjacking remains at large.
The Baltimore City police are conducting an investigation into the crash incident. Meanwhile, the officer responsible for the collision has been placed on routine administrative leave.
A Tragic Outcome
This heartbreaking incident highlights the dangers and risks involved in criminal activities such as carjacking. The loss of a young life is always a devastating event, impacting families and communities alike.
While the circumstances surrounding this case continue to be investigated, it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safety and security within our communities. Law enforcement agencies play a vital role in protecting the public, but tragic incidents like this raise questions that need to be thoroughly addressed and evaluated.
It is essential to support the grieving families affected by such incidents and work towards preventing future occurrences through community engagement, education, and collaborative efforts. By fostering understanding, empathy, and open dialogue, we can strive for a safer society that values the well-being of all its members.
