2 dead, 1 injured in accident in DC after chase with Annapolis police – NBC4 Washington

Two people were killed and a third person was injured as police pursued armed robbery suspects from Annapolis through Prince George’s County to southeast D.C., where the suspects’ car crashed, authorities said.

A white BMW crashed into a tree in the 4100 block of Southern Avenue SE on Tuesday afternoon. Video footage from News4 shows the destroyed wreckage. The names of the fatalities were not initially released.

Anne Arundel County police, with air support from the U.S. Park Police, began pursuing the car because it matched the description of a car used in several armed robberies of people withdrawing or making deposits at banks, Police Chief Amal Awad said at a news conference.

“Our deepest condolences go out to all the people who have fallen victim to these suspects who chose to sacrifice innocent people and their lives. I am also fully aware that there will be families who will mourn because of the decision these young people made today,” Awad said.

Anne Arundel officers began pursuing the BMW near Bestgate Road in Annapolis around 12:15 p.m., Awad said. The driver fled west onto Route 50 and into Prince George’s County. A U.S. Park Police flight unit assisted.

In southeast DC, the BMW driver was driving too fast, drove over a hilltop and crashed into a tree, said Jessica Taylor, head of the US Park Police. The car burst into flames.

Two people in the car were pronounced dead at the scene. A third person was taken to a hospital in DC Police custody.

Police found a gun in the 4600 block of Hayes Street SE and believe someone in the BMW threw it before the crash.

News4 sends breaking news alerts via email. Sign up here to receive breaking news alerts in your inbox.

The investigation is being led by Anne Arundel County police. Awad said officers have the authority to pursue drivers suspected of committing a crime.

Police suspected the people in the car of bank robbery, Awad said. More than 40 such crimes have been committed in the region so far this year, she said. The Justice Ministry had previously explained that bank robbery involves thieves chasing and robbing bank customers suspected of possessing large amounts of cash.

Stay with NBC Washington for more details on this developing story.