Death by Cop 2021-2025
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Joshua VanderZiel
Gender : Male
Age : 21
Race : White
Date : 08/10/2024
Location : 9400 block of Washington Boulevard
City : Laurel
County : Howard
State : Maryland
Agency : Anne Arundel County Police Department
Officer(s) :Officer Alexander Rodriguez
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Driver killed during police chase crash
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On August 10, 2024, at approximately 4:11 a.m., Officer Alexander Rodriguez of the Anne Arundel County Police Department initiated an unauthorized high-speed pursuit of 21-year-old Joshua VanderZiel, a Russian linguist for the U.S. Navy, who was operating a motorcycle. The chase spanned approximately four miles, beginning in Anne Arundel County, passing through Prince George's County, and concluding in Howard County. Officer Rodriguez did not activate his patrol car's lights or sirens during the pursuit. The chase ended when VanderZiel collided with a flatbed truck making a turn on Washington Boulevard in Laurel, resulting in his immediate death. Officer Rodriguez did not stop to render aid, report the collision, or notify emergency services. He returned to Anne Arundel County and continued his shift without reporting the incident. On April 2, 2025, following an investigation by the Maryland Attorney General's Office, Officer Rodriguez was indicted on charges including manslaughter, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, and misconduct in office.
