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Warren Leonard, 23, of Washington, DC, was wanted for second-degree rape when a Hyattsville City Police officer attempted a traffic stop around 10:15 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28.
Leonard briefly stopped in the 3300 block of East-West Highway before taking off westbound, investigators said.
The officer ended the pursuit near 23rd Avenue, but moments later, Leonard lost control, swerved onto the shoulder, and fatally struck a pedestrian in the 2200 block of East-West Highway in Chillum.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
After arresting Leonard, officers found he was not only a fugitive but also carrying a handgun with an extended magazine, officials said.
He has since been charged with firearm possession, with more charges likely to follow.
The officer’s body-worn and dashboard cameras captured the incident, and the footage will be reviewed as part of an investigation by the Maryland Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division (IID) and the Maryland State Police Crash Team.
Authorities have not yet released the pedestrian’s identity.
Anyone with information is asked to call 410-576-7070 or email IID@oag.state.md.us.
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