POLICE PURSUIT LEADS TO CHARGES BEING FILED IN WICOMICO COUNTY; SUSPECT ARRESTED DAYS LATER

Salisbury, MD - On March 4, 2025, the Joint Community Action Team (JCAT), comprising officers from the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, Salisbury Police Department and Wicomico County State's Attorney's Office, initiated a traffic stop, which turned into a pursuit of a black Nissan, after its driver committed several traffic infractions on Priscilla Street in Salisbury, Wicomico County, Maryland.

The driver, identified as Lavoya Tywane Neal Jr., decided not to stop the vehicle initially and instead accelerated, leading to a high-speed chase.

Showing a complete disregard for public safety, Neal attempted a left turn onto Delaware Avenue at high speed, resulting in him losing control of the vehicle, striking the curb and activating the car's airbags. This collision caused significant damage, leaving the front passenger-side tire inoperable.

However, Neal managed to leave the vehicle unscathed and fled on foot towards Price Road before any of the officers could approach him.

Left behind in Neal's vehicle were an adult female and an infant, both uninjured. Out of an abundance of caution, emergency medical services were dispatched to the scene for medical evaluation. It should be noted, the woman declined any medical services.

According to the report from the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, the infant, although in a car seat, was not properly secured, with the car seat simply resting on the back seat of the car.

Law enforcement set up a perimeter and began a thorough search of the area, with the assistance of K9 units and aerial support from Maryland State Police Trooper 4.

Even after extensive efforts, Neal managed to evade capture that day.

During a K9 scan of the abandoned vehicle, a positive alert was given, prompting a thorough search. This search resulted in the seizure of Neal's wallet, a cellular phone, and a substantial quantity of marijuana weighing 1,015.57 grams.

In the wake of these discoveries, drug-related and traffic charges were filed against Neal.

On March 10, 2025, Neal was served with these charges and was detained at the Wicomico County Detention Center.

Note: When this incident was published on our social media pages for live breaking news coverage, we were informed that the infant was left behind unattended.  That information was incorrect.  We now know a woman was also present during the incident and remained behind with the infant. Eastern Shore Undercover always wants to present factual information and clarify when mistakes are made. We apologize for any confusion this may have led to. 

Disclaimer: This article contains content regarding an individual formally charged with a crime or traffic violation. It is important to underline that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The details mentioned in this article reflect the current stage of the legal proceedings and are not meant to imply or conclude guilt or innocence.