Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess announced today that the Honorable Mark Crooks sentenced Tashya Johnson, 34, of Glen Burnie to 14 years in prison for one count of negligent manslaughter for the death of 16-year-old Tyrese Glenn and for driving while intoxicated and endangering the lives of two other teenagers, including her own child who was in the vehicle. Judge Crooks noted that this was one of the most reprehensible cases and sentenced Johnson to the maximum sentences for her crimes.
“The defendant is solely responsible for the death of Mr. Glenn,” said Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. “The defendant made the deliberate and selfish decision to drive while intoxicated showing a complete disregard for the lives of the minors that were in her vehicle as well as other motorists on the road. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Glenn family as they heal from this tragic event.”
On June 21, 2018, the Maryland State Police responded to a single vehicle collision on I-97 just before the Generals Highway exit. Troopers located a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis turned over on its roof in a heavily wooded area. Various motorists described witnessing the vehicle being operated in an erratic fashion, speeding and making improper lane changes. Tashya Johnson lost control of the vehicle, drove off the roadway and flipped multiple times before landing on the roof. While doing an inventory of the vehicle, police located an open container of an alcoholic beverage, Mad Dog 20/20, in the defendant’s leather handbag.
Later, a police officer made contact with Johnson in the hospital and observed that her eyes were bloodshot and glassy. While speaking with the police officer, Johnson admitted to having a couple of alcoholic beverages prior to driving. Blood test results later revealed that Johnson had a blood alcohol content of 0.24, three times over the legal limit.
At sentencing, the court was presented with a recording of the defendant stating that the brother of Tyrese Glenn needed to grow up and get over it because it was nobody’s fault that the accident occurred.
Johnson entered a guilty plea to the charges on February 11, 2020 and was sentenced on August 20, 2020.
Assistant State’s Attorney Carolynn Grammas prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of Anne Arundel County.
6/23/2018: Maryland State Police Annapolis Barrack continues to investigate a single vehicle crash in Anne Arundel County yesterday that claimed the life of a teenager.
The deceased is identified as Tyrese Glenn, 16, of Glen Burnie. He was pronounced deceased at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Tyrese was the front seat passenger in the vehicle.
Two other teenagers, a 14 year old girl and a 15 year old boy, were also in the vehicle at the time of the crash. The 15 year old, of Glen Burnie, was transported to Anne Arundel Medical Center. The 14 year old, also of Glen Burnie, was transported to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. Both passengers were seated in the back seat of the vehicle.
The driver of the single vehicle involved in the crash is identified as Tashya Johnson, 33, of Glen Burnie. Johnson was transported by Maryland State Police medevac to Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. Johnson was operating a black 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis, transporting the three teenage passengers at the time of the crash. Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.
At 1:45 p.m. yesterday afternoon, troopers from the Annapolis Barrack were dispatched to I-97, south of Waterbury Road in Crownsville for a single vehicle crash. Upon their arrival, the vehicle was found on its roof on an embankment. It is unknown at this time, how Johnson may have lost control of the vehicle.
Troopers from the Annapolis Barrack responded and will be conducting a detailed crash reconstruction. MDOT State Highway Administration personnel responded to assist with lane closures and a detour around the scene. Upon completion, the investigation will be forwarded to the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office for review.
Police are asking anyone with information relevant to this crash to contact Annapolis Barrack at 410-267-5800.
