Theft Suspect Dies In Car Crash Speeding Away From Business

FORT WASHINGTON, MD — Detectives are investigating a fatal crash that happened last week in Fort Washington.

On April 29 around 10:05 p.m., Prince George's police officers were called to a business located in the 11900 block of Livingston Road for a report of a theft in progress by two men. An officer ran into the two suspects as they were leaving the store, but they managed to make it to their vehicle and take off out of the parking lot.

Not long after, the suspects' vehicle crashed on Indian Head Highway near Palmer Road. The initial officer, who was driving an unmarked police cruiser, had been travelling behind the suspect’s car in order to obtain the license plate number. The officer did not have his lights or sirens activated and no vehicle pursuit happened.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger was taken to a hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening.

Detectives are investigating the retail theft that happened at the business before the crash.

The PGPD contacted the Maryland Attorney General Office’s Independent Investigations Division (IID) regarding this collision. Based upon the preliminary investigation, at this time, the IID has declined to investigate the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto a mobile device), or call 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).