SUSPECT IDENTIFIED IN HIGH-SPEED PURSUIT FOLLOWING VEHICLE THEFT IN MARYLAND

Talbot County, MD - A suspect involved in a high-speed vehicle pursuit following a reported vehicle theft from Cambridge, MD, has been identified and charged, according to the Talbot County Sheriff's Office.  

The incident occurred on January 8, 2025, when deputies from the Talbot County Sheriff's Office Patrol Division were notified by the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office of a stolen 2011 Volkswagen sedan. The vehicle was located by deputies in the area of westbound Ocean Gateway and Dutchman's Lane in Easton, MD.  

Upon attempting to initiate a traffic stop, the suspect, identified as 25-year-old Matthew Luis Rocha Gonzalez of Olney, MD, refused to comply and fled at speeds exceeding 100 mph. The pursuit, which involved reckless driving, aggressive lane changes, and disobeying traffic signals, progressed westbound on Ocean Gateway into Cordova, MD, and ultimately reached the Talbot County and Queen Anne's County line. For public safety reasons, deputies terminated the pursuit.  

During the incident, the fleeing suspect struck a civilian vehicle near Ocean Gateway and Black Dog Alley in Easton, MD. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the resulting damage was minor.

Neighboring law enforcement agencies were alerted immediately following the pursuit.  

An investigation conducted throughout January and February 2025 led law enforcement to identify the suspect. The Talbot County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office, filed multiple criminal and traffic charges against Gonzalez on February 28, 2025.

These charges include:  

• Obstructing and Hindering a Police Officer  
• Possession of a Stolen Vehicle  
• Driving on a Suspended License  
• Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer  
• Reckless Driving  
• Hit and Run  
• Numerous other traffic offenses related to the pursuit  

Gonzalez is currently incarcerated at the Montgomery County Detention Center on unrelated charges. An arrest warrant for the charges stemming from the vehicle pursuit has been forwarded to the Montgomery County Detention Center for service. A court date in the Talbot County District Court is pending.  

Community members with information regarding this incident are encouraged to contact the Talbot County Sheriff's Office at (410) 822-1020.

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.