Baltimore County Police Cruiser Strikes and Kills Carjacking Suspect

In a tragic turn of events, a 20-year-old man was fatally struck by a Baltimore County police car while fleeing a carjacking. The victim, identified as Dion Lamar Taylor, was killed just one block from his home in Woodlawn.

Speaking to 11 News, Taylor’s mother, Teisha Cook, shared the heartbreaking moment when she learned that her son had been hit by a police vehicle. “The whole time I’m trying to find my son, not knowing that he was underneath the car,” Cook said, describing her frantic search. “I’m running around looking for him, calling him, texting him with no response.” She recalled the chaos of the situation: “My son was running through the street. Police came this way, one car crashed into them, and then ran him over.”

The Incident Unfolds

According to authorities, the incident began just before 4 p.m. on the 3400 block of Merle Drive, when Taylor and two other suspects carjacked a pizza delivery driver. Police spotted the stolen vehicle shortly after, and a chase ensued, leading through Essex and Liberty roads before ending at Northern Parkway and Highgate Drive.

During the pursuit, a handgun was thrown from the suspect’s vehicle and later recovered. At the intersection of Northern Parkway and Liberty Road, Taylor and his accomplices jumped from the moving car. As they fled on foot, one police cruiser collided with the car while another chased the suspects. Tragically, Taylor was struck by the cruiser as he turned onto Highgate Drive.

Police Response and Investigation

Baltimore County Police Corporal Shawn Vinson stated, “From what we can tell at this point, there’s nothing that shows that this officer intentionally struck the suspect.” Police emphasized that the officers were following proper protocol during the incident. They have not released further details due to the ongoing investigation.

However, Taylor’s mother is demanding accountability and answers. “He was not a criminal. My son was a homebody,” Cook asserted, grieving the loss of her son.

Arrests and Charges

In connection with the carjacking, 16-year-old Taron Kelly was arrested and charged with armed robbery, armed carjacking, motor vehicle theft, possession of a handgun, and being a minor in possession of a handgun. Kelly, charged as an adult, is being held without bond. The third suspect in the carjacking remains at large.

The crash incident itself is under investigation by Baltimore City police. Meanwhile, the officer involved has been placed on routine administrative leave as the case continues to unfold.