A troubling pattern has emerged in Prince George's County as three bystanders, including a toddler, have lost their lives this past month due to police pursuits. The most recent incident, which occurred last Friday, was a fatal collision that took the life of a 34-year-old mother of four, Patricia Riddick, whose vehicle was struck by a driver attempting to evade the police.
The aftermath of these chases, which began with failed traffic stops, has raised concerns about policing practices in the county. According to WUSA9, Prince George's County Police Department (PGPD) Chief Malik Aziz stated emphatically, "When police put the red and blues on you, stop." Despite this assertion, the county does not have publicly available specific rules governing the authorization of vehicular pursuits, except to classify unauthorized pursuits without injury as Category C offenses and with injury as Category D offenses, each carrying potential penalties of lost pay.
Each fatal incident has led to the involvement of the Maryland Attorney General’s Office's Independent Investigations Division, as mandated for all police-involved deaths. In light of the latest fatality involving Riddick, PGPD has not announced charges at this time. However, State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy emphasized the serious consequences for those fleeing law enforcement. In her words to WTOP, "Whatever the charges that you were being stopped with which — typically in these cases were traffic offenses — the consequences of those violations are nowhere near the consequences you’re going to face when you flee, when your car spins out of control, hits another vehicle, and someone dies."
While the investigations continue, the families mourn their losses. Riddick, remembered by her sister Tasha for her beautiful soul and recent dedication to community service, leaves behind four children who had already suffered profound familial losses, as FOX 5 DC reported. A vigil was held to honor her memory.
