Newly released body camera footage depicts a dramatic confrontation in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, where an individual suspected of carjacking allegedly drove a vehicle directly toward law enforcement officers. The incident, which occurred on May 7, involved the suspect striking an officer and several police vehicles before officers discharged their firearms. The individual was subsequently apprehended after attempting to flee.
Authorities in Anne Arundel County were called to the vicinity of North Crain Highway and 11th Avenue in Glen Burnie at approximately 9 p.m. on May 7, following reports of a hit-and-run accident. Upon their arrival, officers learned that a woman had crashed her own vehicle into another car. Subsequently, she reportedly forcibly took a vehicle belonging to a family member who had arrived at the scene to offer assistance.
The woman was identified as Jasmin L. Cooper, 28 years old.
Confrontation and Pursuit
Ms. Cooper was later located inside the stolen vehicle in the 8500 block of Severn. Video evidence shows officers approaching the vehicle with their weapons drawn, repeatedly instructing the woman to "turn the car off" and "get out of the car." Although she briefly raised her hands from the steering wheel, she did not exit the vehicle.
During the tense standoff, an officer can be heard on the footage remarking, "So what, she stole her son's car?"
Moments later, the woman rapidly reversed out of the parking space and accelerated away, prompting officers to quickly move out of her path to avoid being struck.
Officer-Involved Shooting and Apprehension
Law enforcement officials stated that Ms. Cooper deliberately drove the vehicle toward officers, making contact with one officer, two police patrol cars, and another civilian vehicle. This action led officers to open fire, striking Ms. Cooper.
Additional officers responding to the area observed Ms. Cooper turning onto Reece Road. The pursuit concluded when she crashed into another vehicle near the intersection of Reece Road and Telegraph Road. She then reportedly attempted to force her way into another occupied vehicle before officers successfully took her into custody.
The body camera footage also captured the aftermath of the incident, showing Ms. Cooper on the ground in handcuffs. Officers are seen providing immediate medical attention, bandaging her wound sustained during the shooting in the parking lot.
Ms. Cooper now faces a range of charges, including carjacking, attempted carjacking, multiple counts of reckless endangerment, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and other related offenses.
Both Ms. Cooper and the officer who was struck by the vehicle received treatment for injuries that were described as non-life-threatening.