Police Officer Fatally Shoots Driver During Traffic Stop in Maryland

Incident occurred as officer conducted search of vehicle in Chillum, leading to pursuit and crash

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:09am

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A Prince George's County police officer fatally shot a driver on Thursday evening after the driver fled a traffic stop and drove off with the officer still inside the vehicle. The incident occurred around 8:40 p.m. in Chillum, Maryland, when a lieutenant was conducting a search of the vehicle and a backup officer arrived. The driver then re-entered the car and drove off, leading to the shooting and a crash into a pole.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks and challenges police officers face during routine traffic stops, where tensions can quickly escalate. It also raises questions about use of force policies and procedures when suspects attempt to flee from law enforcement.

The details

According to police, the lieutenant had probable cause to search the vehicle during the traffic stop. When the backup officer arrived, the driver was asked to exit the car and sit on the curb. However, the driver then got back into the vehicle while the lieutenant was still searching it, and drove off with the officer still inside. The lieutenant then shot the driver as he drove about 150 yards away. The backup officer was knocked down by the vehicle before it crashed into a pole.

  • The incident occurred around 8:40 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2026.
  • The driver died at a hospital following the shooting.

The players

Prince George's County Police Chief George Nader

The police chief provided details about the incident at a news conference.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown

His office's Independent Investigations Division responded to the scene and is investigating the incident.

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What they’re saying

“You never want your officers to be injured while they're out here trying to serve and protect the community. This is not the outcome that anybody wants. You never want to see life lost, regardless of the circumstances, so I wish it could have been different. I wish that the suspect would have cooperated and let the scene play out.”

— Prince George's County Police Chief George Nader

What’s next

The Maryland Attorney General's Independent Investigations Division is investigating the incident, and body camera and dash cam footage is expected to be released within 20 business days.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the complex and dangerous situations police officers can face during routine traffic stops, and the need for continued dialogue and reform around use of force policies to balance public safety with protecting the lives of both officers and civilians.