BALTIMORE — Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced Monday, March 23, 2026, that his office will not file charges against a Calvert County sheriff’s deputy involved in a fatal police pursuit crash that killed a Lusby woman in December.
The decision follows a months-long investigation by the Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division into the Dec. 12, 2025 incident, which resulted in the death of Servon Gatewood, 58, of Lusby.
According to investigators, the incident began around 12:30 a.m. when a Calvert County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a Nissan sedan with a malfunctioning brake light traveling along Maryland Route 4. The deputy attempted a traffic stop near North Prince Frederick Boulevard and Chapline Place Road, but the driver failed to stop, prompting a pursuit.
The pursuit lasted less than a mile and approximately 40 seconds, with the fleeing vehicle reaching speeds of about 83 mph.
Moments later, the Nissan entered the intersection of Stoakley Road and Solomons Island Road North and collided with a Honda sedan driven by Gatewood, who was traveling through the intersection. The impact also involved a third vehicle, a Kia SUV. Authorities said the deputy’s patrol vehicle did not strike any other vehicles during the incident.
Emergency responders transported all involved individuals to area hospitals. Gatewood later died from injuries sustained in the crash. The driver of the Nissan and occupants of the Kia were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the fleeing vehicle, identified as Savon Q. Samuel, was taken into custody at the scene and has since been charged in connection with the crash.
Court records show Samuel is facing felony negligent manslaughter by automobile and related charges. Investigators previously alleged the vehicle was traveling more than 83 mph in a 35 mph zone prior to the crash. He is currently being held without bond.
In its findings, the Independent Investigations Division determined there was insufficient evidence to show the deputy acted in a criminally negligent manner. Investigators concluded the deputy followed department policy, used emergency lights and sirens, maintained control of the vehicle, and did not violate traffic signals during the pursuit.
As a result, the Attorney General’s Office determined the deputy did not commit a crime under Maryland law and declined to prosecute.
A full report detailing the investigation and legal analysis below:
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