In Anne Arundel County, Maryland, two police officers are now facing serious charges connected to a deadly high-speed chase that happened last December. Officer Eddie Vasquez, 29, and Corporal Kieran Schnell, 27, both from the Anne Arundel County Police Department, are accused of misleading their supervisors about the pursuit that ended in tragedy.
The incident unfolded late at night on December 7, 2023, in Curtis Bay. Vasquez and Schnell were chasing a white Infiniti sedan speeding over 100 mph through town. In a shocking twist, neither officer turned on their emergency lights or sirens, making the chase even riskier. Vasquez reportedly hit speeds of 115 mph in an area where the speed limit is just 35 mph. The two officers also weaved around other cars as they followed the Infiniti, creating a dangerous situation for everyone on the road.
The chase ended in a devastating crash near Fort Smallwood Road and Bar Harbor Road. The Infiniti slammed into a utility pole, killing 22-year-old Damione Gardner, who was riding in the front passenger seat. The driver survived and was treated at a hospital.
What makes this case even more troubling is what happened after the crash. According to the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, Vasquez waited until after the crash to turn on his body camera. He then spoke with his supervisors, but instead of telling the full truth, he reportedly made misleading statements about what had happened. Later, he filed a report that allegedly hid the fact that a high-speed chase had even taken place.
Investigators say that neither Vasquez nor Schnell had proper authorization to pursue the Infiniti in the first place. When the Anne Arundel County Police Department realized their officers were involved, they brought in the Independent Investigations Division of the Attorney General’s Office to look into the incident.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown emphasized how damaging it is when officers lie during investigations, saying, “When police officers are untruthful, they not only break the law but also undermine public trust and the integrity of law enforcement.”
Vasquez, who joined the police force in September 2020, and Schnell, who has been with the department since November 2019, have both been indicted by a grand jury on charges of misconduct in office.
Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal E. Awad released a statement about the case, urging the public to remember that an indictment is not proof of guilt. She added that the department’s review of the incident didn’t reveal any evidence of criminal conduct by the officers, but they would respect the judicial process.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case has drawn attention to the risks and responsibilities tied to police pursuits and the importance of transparency in law enforcement.
