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The Maryland Attorney General’s Office has released dashboard camera footage of a police pursuit that resulted in the death of a Waldorf resident named Dejuan Mitchell. The incident occurred late last month when Mitchell crashed into the back of a dump truck while trying to evade members of the sheriff’s office.
The incident began when the Charles County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a possible carjacking and assault in Waldorf. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a woman on the ground and a man, later identified as Mitchell, speeding away in her car. Mitchell refused to stop for responding deputies and fled the scene.
While attempting to escape on Mattawoman-Beantown Road, Mitchell lost control of the stolen vehicle, hit a grass median, and crossed into oncoming traffic before crashing into the back of a dump truck. Unfortunately, Mitchell was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.
The woman who was assaulted during the carjacking sustained minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and evaluation. No officers were injured during the pursuit.
Investigators have determined that Mitchell did not know the woman before the carjacking and subsequent crash. The incident is still under investigation by the Maryland State Police and the Attorney General’s Office.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers and consequences of police pursuits. While law enforcement officers have a duty to apprehend suspects, it is crucial to consider the potential risks to public safety during high-speed chases. The release of the dashboard camera footage allows the public to better understand the circumstances surrounding this incident and raises important discussions about the protocols and policies surrounding police pursuits.
It is important for law enforcement agencies to continually evaluate and update their pursuit policies to minimize the risk to both officers and the public. Additionally, education and awareness campaigns can help inform the public about the dangers of fleeing from law enforcement and the potential consequences of such actions..
