Police chase across DC border ends fatally

The department requested assistance from the U.S. Park Police Aviation Unit, and a U.S. Park Police officer initiated the pursuit after locating the car, U.S. Park Police Chief Jessica Taylor said at the press conference.

The BMW was traveling at a high rate of speed, went over a hilltop, struck a tree and caught fire in the 4100 block of Southern Avenue SE, Taylor said. Police did not answer further questions about the moments leading up to the crash. It was not clear whether U.S. Park Police or Anne Arundel County officials were closest to the vehicle at the time.

Two people were pronounced dead at the scene, Taylor said. One man was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and was in police custody in Washington DC. Police did not release the gender or identity of the dead.

Taylor said police recovered a firearm that authorities believe was thrown from the car.

Awad said Anne Arundel County officials have been busy for weeks in southern Anne Arundel County investigating cases in which people have been robbed while withdrawing or depositing money at local banks.

“When a vehicle is involved in a serious crime, our officers have the authority to pursue it and I fully support the decisions of our officers in these cases,” Awad said.

Police believe the white BMW is linked to robberies in other jurisdictions, most recently those in Prince George’s, Awad said.

This is a developing story and will be updated.