Suspected Drunk Driver Caused Crash Killing 1-Year-Old Boy

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A police pursuit of a suspected drunk driver ends with a one-year-old dead. The infant's family is demanding answers about how it happened. Should those kinds of chases continue?

WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren speaks with the top two men in Baltimore County about pursuit policies and if they need to change.

That does not appear to be the case. The pursuit lasted less than two minutes, according to the chief. He says, based on what he knows, it was all done within regulation.

After the devastating death of their one-year-old son Jermiah Perry, the infant's parents have questions about the role of an ongoing police pursuit.

"I know it started in the county and there's certain rules, but ya'll could have stopped, and kept going," said Darrin Perry II, victim's father.

The man who police believe caused the crash that led to baby Jermiah's death was fleeing Baltimore County officers at the time, after hitting a cop moments before.

He just crossed over the city line, but the pursuit did not stop there.

"We lost a precious child," said Chief James Johnson, Baltimore County Police Department. "Here, you have a situation where you have a motorist who obviously has already caused injury and extensive property damage, and then is likely to cause additional injury."

WJZ obtained the county's policy, which allows pursuits when the suspect could cause serious harm. They're monitored second by second and can be immediately discontinued.

The policy also says police should reduce their active role after entering another jurisdiction.

Baltimore City, where the baby died, has a no-chase policy.

"Yes, there certainly is risk involved going into another jurisdiction, but I want to point out to your viewers that with technology today, that communication problem is far less a concern. We believe the pursuit was in policy for the Baltimore County standards, and frankly, national standards," Chief Johnson said.

The county executive tells WJZ speeds did not exceed 60 miles-per-hour, and authorities believe the suspect was intoxicated.

"A drunken driver crashed into a Baltimore County police car, and that police officer went to the hospital. So it was logical for the police to then give chase," said Kevin Kamenetz, Baltimore County Executive. "But at the same time, we always review our procedures."

The county executive expressed his condolences to the baby's family. The chief says he expects the suspect to be charged both in Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

Police have yet to identify the suspect.

A GoFundMe page has been started for Perry's family to help pay for his funeral. For more, CLICK HERE.