Body‑worn camera and dashcam footage released Wednesday by law enforcement officials provide a clearer timeline of a traffic stop in Waldorf that spiraled into a multi‑vehicle crash along Crain Highway, resulting in one death and an independent state review.
What the video shows
The footage, tied to an incident on Aug. 25 at about 10:30 a.m., begins with a Charles County deputy initiating a traffic stop on a silver Toyota near Leonardtown Road and Lakewood Drive in Waldorf. The video captures the driver stepping out of the vehicle while holding a small dog, later identified as a Yorkie.
While the driver stood outside the car, a front‑seat passenger climbed into the driver's seat. Authorities say that passenger pushed the deputy away from the vehicle and then sped off. Deputies and backup units pursued the car for nearly five miles along Crain Highway.
Officials say the pursuit was eventually discontinued after the suspect crossed the median and began driving the wrong way in oncoming traffic toward Prince George's County. Shortly after the chase was called off, the suspect's vehicle collided with two other vehicles near the county line; one of the back‑seat occupants of the fleeing vehicle, 33‑year‑old Alexis Cummings, died as a result of the crash. The driver of the fleeing car sustained serious injuries. Occupants of the two vans struck in the collision were reported to be OK.
Authorities, outstanding warrants and the investigation
Charles County authorities reported that the person who fled and drove the vehicle had nearly 20 outstanding warrants across multiple jurisdictions, including Prince George's County, Montgomery County and Fairfax. Officials have not released the identity of that driver.
The Maryland Office of the Attorney General has opened an independent investigation into the incident. That inquiry follows established practice when serious injury or death occurs in encounters involving law enforcement in Maryland, and will examine the actions of deputies and any relevant policies.
- Date and time: Aug. 25, about 10:30 a.m.
- Location of stop: Leonardtown Road and Lakewood Drive, Waldorf
- Route of pursuit: Approximately five miles along Crain Highway toward Prince George's County
- Outcome: Multi‑vehicle collision near county line; one passenger, Alexis Cummings, killed
Local impact and community concerns
Crain Highway is a busy thoroughfare that links Charles County with neighboring jurisdictions; pursuits that cross county lines can raise complex operational and legal questions for local agencies and for investigators. The release of body and dash camera footage often aims to address public concern by providing a factual record of officer actions and the behavior of other parties involved.
Community advocates and family members of crash victims frequently seek transparency around pursuit policies, risk assessments used by officers making the decision to chase, and whether less‑lethal or alternative approaches could have reduced the chance of a fatal outcome. Those are likely to be central topics for the Attorney General's review.
Timeline at a glance
| Time/Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug. 25, ~10:30 a.m. | Traffic stop initiated on silver Toyota near Leonardtown Road and Lakewood Drive |
| Shortly after stop | Front‑seat passenger climbs into driver seat; driver pushed deputy and car flees |
| Next ~5 miles | Pursuit along Crain Highway; pursuit discontinued after wrong‑way driving |
| After pursuit called off | Fleeing vehicle collides with two vans near county line; passenger Alexis Cummings dies |
The sequence available in the released footage and official summaries establishes a direct line from an initial traffic enforcement stop to a fatal crash. The Attorney General's independent review will determine whether departmental policies were followed and if any legal or policy changes are warranted.
As the investigation proceeds, officials have not provided additional identifying details about the driver who fled. The family of Alexis Cummings has been notified, and authorities have indicated that they are continuing to gather and review evidence from the scene and from body and dash cameras.
Residents with concerns about pursuit protocols or who believe they have relevant information are encouraged to contact local law enforcement or the Maryland Office of the Attorney General as the review continues. Updates will be provided as investigators release findings and any administrative or criminal decisions that follow.
