“Armed Carjacker Dies in Police Pursuit: Mother Seeks Justice, Claims ‘He Was Not a Criminal'”
By Ruth Kamau | April 18, 2025
Note: This story originally broke in January 2019.
Tragedy struck in Baltimore County when an armed carjacking suspect, 20-year-old Dion Lamar Taylor, was fatally struck by a police car while fleeing from authorities. The incident, which occurred just one block from Taylor’s home, has left his family seeking answers.
The heart-wrenching moment unfolded when Teisha Cook, Dion’s mother, spoke with 11 News about the devastating loss. “I was desperately searching for my son, unaware that he was already under the car. I was running around the neighborhood calling and texting him, but there was no answer,” Cook recalled, her voice filled with sorrow. “My son was running down the street, the police came from one direction, another officer came from the other… they crashed and ran him over.”
The shocking events began when Taylor, along with two other suspects, carjacked a pizza delivery driver in the 3400 block of Merle Drive in Woodlawn just before 4 p.m. that afternoon. Police quickly spotted the stolen vehicle, and a high-speed chase ensued through the streets of Baltimore County. The pursuit reached a tragic end at Northern Parkway and Highgate Drive, where Taylor was struck by the pursuing police vehicle.
As the investigation continues, Teisha Cook is demanding justice and insists that her son was far from the dangerous criminal authorities have painted him to be. “He wasn’t a bad kid,” she said, struggling to make sense of the events that led to her son’s death.
“Armed Carjacker Dies in Police Pursuit: Mother Demands Answers, Claims ‘He Was Not a Criminal'”
By Ruth Kamau | April 18, 2025
Note: This story originally broke in January 2019.
The tragic events that led to 20-year-old Dion Lamar Taylor’s death during a police pursuit are still unfolding, leaving his family demanding answers. Taylor was fatally struck by a Baltimore County police cruiser while fleeing with two other suspects. The incident took place just one block from Taylor’s home, forever altering the lives of his family and raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Teisha Cook, Dion’s mother, shared her emotional account with 11 News, recounting the moment she learned of her son’s death. “I was searching everywhere for him, not knowing he was underneath that police car,” Cook said, visibly distraught. “I was calling, texting, and running through the streets, but there was no response. Then, I heard what happened… police chased him down, and one officer hit the car while another struck him as he turned onto Highgate Drive.”
Authorities confirmed that during the chase, a handgun was discarded from the car, which was later recovered by police. At the intersection of Northern Parkway and Liberty Road, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. One police cruiser collided with the car, while another pursued the suspects. It was during this pursuit that Taylor was struck.
Baltimore County police Cpl. Shawn Vinson addressed the incident, stating, “From what we can tell at this point, there’s no evidence to suggest that the officer intentionally struck the suspect.” The department maintained that officers followed proper protocol, though they were unable to release further details due to the ongoing investigation.
Despite the official response, Cook is adamant about her son’s character. “He wasn’t a criminal,” she said firmly. “My son was a homebody. He didn’t deserve this.”
Meanwhile, 16-year-old Taron Kelly was arrested in connection with the carjacking and other charges, including armed robbery, motor vehicle theft, and possession of a handgun. He was charged as an adult and is being held without bond. The third suspect remains at large. The Baltimore City Police Department is investigating the circumstances of the crash, and the officer involved has been placed on routine administrative leave.
As the investigation continues, Teisha Cook remains resolute in her demand for justice, determined to uncover the truth about what happened to her son.
