A new bill named after Zoey Harrison, a 3-year-old girl who died during a police pursuit in District Heights earlier this year, is set to be introduced in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Council Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha, who represents District 7, plans to present the legislation — called Zoey’s Law — during Tuesday’s council meeting. Before the session, she will hold a press conference alongside Zoey’s family.
The proposed bill, CB-61-2025, aims to enhance public safety and rebuild trust in law enforcement by establishing clear guidelines for when police should engage in vehicle pursuits and when alternative methods are more appropriate. It also includes requirements for oversight and annual public reporting.
The incident that prompted the bill occurred in March, when police attempted to stop an Infiniti SUV. After briefly stopping, the driver sped away. Officers from both the District Heights and Capitol Heights Police Departments later spotted the vehicle and attempted to stop it again. The SUV then crashed into four other vehicles on Addison Road South. Zoey was a passenger in one of those cars and later died at the hospital.
“This bill is about protecting lives,” Oriadha said. “Police chases are dangerous — not just for those involved but for innocent people nearby. We must ensure that the decision to pursue is made carefully and responsibly.”
Zoey’s Law would restrict police pursuits to situations involving felonies, violent misdemeanors, or immediate threats to public safety. It would also create a Pursuit Review Board to investigate crashes and identify broader issues in pursuit practices.
“With this legislation, we’re not just fixing policy — we’re honoring Zoey’s memory by working to prevent similar tragedies in the future,” Oriadha said.
