A former Anne Arundel County police officer has admitted in court that he fled the scene of a high-speed pursuit that ended with a Laurel motorcyclist dead. The plea marks the first major criminal resolution in a case that has drawn scrutiny from the state attorney general’s office and residents. Court records show the officer entered his plea in Howard County this week.
Alexander Rodriguez pleaded guilty in Howard County Circuit Court to one felony count of failing to remain at the scene of an accident resulting in death, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, according to The Banner. Circuit Court Judge Maurice C. Frazier is set to sentence Rodriguez, 31, on April 20, court filings state. Rodriguez was suspended without pay after his 2025 indictment and is no longer on the Anne Arundel County police force.
What Prosecutors Say Happened
State investigators say the chase started in Anne Arundel County around 4 a.m. on Aug. 10, 2024, continued through parts of Prince George’s County, and ended about four miles into Howard County, where the motorcyclist crashed, according to the Maryland Office of the Attorney General. The Independent Investigations Division’s review found that Rodriguez did not switch on his emergency lights or siren, did not call dispatch or request permission to pursue, and reached speeds prosecutors say were roughly twice the posted limit before stopping, making a U-turn and leaving the scene.
Victim Identified and Community Reaction
The rider who died was identified as 21-year-old Joshua Andrew VanderZiel, whose obituary lists his date of death as Aug. 10, 2024, and notes that he served as a Russian linguist in the U.S. Navy, according to Cunningham Funeral Home. Anne Arundel County Police called the allegations deeply disturbing, and Attorney General Anthony Brown said he was absolutely appalled that an officer would endanger a person’s life and then flee the scene, as reported by The Banner.
IID’s Rare Charges and Original Indictment
The Independent Investigations Division, which handles prosecutions in police-involved deaths, has brought criminal charges in very few cases since it gained prosecutorial authority. Its records and public reporting indicate it has filed charges in only two prosecutions, and one earlier case was dismissed before trial.
The original April 2025 indictment against Rodriguez included manslaughter by vehicle, misdemeanor manslaughter, failure to remain at the scene, and multiple misconduct in office counts, according to coverage by The Daily Record.
What Comes Next
The April 20 sentencing hearing will determine whether prosecutors push for the full 10-year maximum on the felony or a lower term under the plea agreement. Court records indicate the specific terms of that agreement have not been made public. By consolidating the case into a single felony count at sentencing, the plea resolves the separate manslaughter and misconduct charges from the 2025 indictment. Advocates and state officials have been pointing to the case as they call for tighter rules on police pursuits and clearer oversight when chases cut across county lines.
