Anne Arundel officer indicted after deadly chase

BALTIMORE — An Anne Arundel County Police officer is facing manslaughter and other charges after a deadly high-speed chase in August of last year. A grand jury indicted Officer Alex Rodriguez, 30, on Wednesday.

On Aug. 10, 2024, just after 4 a.m., a motorcycle being driven by 21-year-old Joshua VanderZiel of Laurel, Maryland, crashed into the side of a flatbed truck in the 9400 block of Washington Boulevard in Howard County. Witnesses reported that the truck was making a left turn from the access drive on Washington Boulevard into the southbound lanes when VanZiel hit the truck and was killed on impact. 

Howard County Police began investigating the crash. A few days later, the Independent Investigations Division received information that the crash may have involved a police officer. On Aug. 20, it was confirmed that the crash involved Rodriguez. 

An investigation by Attorney General Anthony Brown and IID revealed that Rodriguez was driving his marked police cruiser when he engaged in a high-speed pursuit with VanderZiel. The pursuit stretched for more than four miles through Prince George's and into Howard County at speeds twice the posted speed limit. The AG's office said that at no point did Rodriguez activate his lights and sirens, notify dispatch about the pursuit. The pursuit was not authorized, the AG's office said.

It's what allegedly happened after the chase that Brown finds most disturbing.

"Officer Rodriguez slammed on his brakes, did a U-turn in proximity to where Joshua crashed into the truck and fled the scene," Brown said. "He did not file a report, he did not even request emergency medical assistance. He left Joshua, who died in the dark." 

In a statement, Anne Arundel County Police Chief called the allegations "deeply disturbing and not representative of the men and women of the Anne Arundel County Police Department."

In all, Rodriguez was indicted on one felony count of manslaughter by vehicle or vessel – gross negligence, one misdemeanor count of manslaughter by vehicle or vessel – criminal negligence, one felony count of duty of driver to remain at scene of accident resulting in death, and five misdemeanor counts of misconduct in office.

A criminal indictment is merely an accusation of wrongdoing, and not proof of a defendant’s guilt. Officer Rodriguez is presumed innocent until he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.