Armed Carjacker Dies While Fleeing Police, Mom Demands Answers: ‘He Was Not A Criminal’

A police vehicle fatally collided with a carjacking suspect as he and two accomplices attempted to escape from the stolen vehicle, according to law enforcement officials. The deceased suspect has been identified as 20-year-old Dion Lamar Taylor, who resided just a block away from the location of the incident.

In an interview with 11 News, Teisha Cook recounted the harrowing moment she learned of her son’s death, which occurred just a block from her residence due to a Baltimore County police car. She expressed her anguish, stating, “I was desperately searching for my son, unaware that he was underneath the vehicle. I was running around looking for him, calling and texting, but received no response. My son was running down the street when the police arrived from both directions, leading to a crash that ultimately resulted in him being struck.”

According to police reports, Taylor and two other individuals had carjacked a pizza delivery driver shortly before 4 p.m. in the 3400 block of Merle Drive in Woodlawn. Law enforcement spotted the stolen vehicle shortly thereafter, initiating a pursuit that began at the intersection of Essex and Liberty roads in Baltimore County and concluded at Northern Parkway and Highgate Drive.

Authorities indicated that a handgun was discarded from the vehicle during the chase, which was later recovered. At the intersection of Northern Parkway and Liberty Road, the suspects exited the moving car. One police cruiser collided with the vehicle while another pursued the fleeing individuals. The cruiser struck Taylor as he turned onto Highgate Drive.

Baltimore County police Cpl. Shawn Vinson remarked, “At this stage, there is no evidence to suggest that the officer intentionally struck the suspect.” The police department asserted that the officers adhered to established protocols and stated that further details could not be disclosed due to the ongoing investigation.
Cook is seeking clarification regarding the situation. “He was not a criminal. My son preferred to stay at home,” she stated. Sixteen-year-old Taron Kelly has been apprehended in relation to the incident. He faces charges including armed robbery, armed carjacking, motor vehicle theft, possession of a handgun, and being a minor in possession of a handgun. He has been charged as an adult and is currently being held without bond. The third suspect remains at large. The Baltimore City police are conducting an investigation into the crash incident, and the officer involved has been placed on standard administrative leave.