Suspect identified in January high speed chase through Talbot Co.

TALBOT CO., Md. – Police have identified and charged a suspect in connection to a high-speed chase earlier this year.

On January 8th, deputies with the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office were notified by the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office of a stolen vehicle out of Cambridge. Deputies quickly found the stolen 2011 Volkswagen sedan in the area of westbound Ocean Gateway and Dutchman’s Lane. When police tried to stop the vehicle, the driver allegedly refused to comply and fled at speeds over 100 mph through Easton.

Deputies continued pursuing the vehicle, with the driver engaging in reckless maneuvers, including aggressive lane changes, disobeying traffic signals, and excessive speeding. The pursuit was terminated for public safety reasons at the Talbot and Queen Anne’s County line.

During the chase, the driver reportedly hit an uninvolved civilian vehicle in the area of westbound Ocean Gateway and Black Dog Valley. No injuries were reported, and the damage was minor.

An extensive investigation led police to identify the suspect as 25-year-old Matthew Luis Rocha Gonzalez of Olney, Maryland. A warrant was subsequently obtained for his arrest, charging him with 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, and numerous other traffic offenses.

Gonzalez is being held at the Montgomery County Detention Center for unrelated charges. The Talbot County Sheriff’s Office is forwarding this arrest warrant to the Montgomery County Detention Center for service.