UPDATE: A New York man has been indicted in Harford County on serious charges, including Attempted First-Degree Murder and Hit and Run causing serious bodily injury, following a shocking incident involving stolen cooking oil and a high-speed police chase. Juan Yahir Quiroz Manzueta, 28, was extradited to Maryland and faced a grand jury that has confirmed multiple severe allegations against him.
The dramatic events unfolded in August 2025 when Manzueta, driving a Penske rental truck, exhibited erratic behavior on Maryland Route 136. His reckless driving led to collisions with several vehicles and resulted in a serious injury to Lt. Robert Burgess of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office. Lt. Burgess was struck while attempting to stop the vehicle, suffering significant injuries that required emergency transport to Shock Trauma for treatment.
According to reports from WMAR2-News and FOX Baltimore, the stolen cooking oil was linked to a burglary at an Aberdeen Applebee’s restaurant. After the collision, Manzueta fled the scene on foot, prompting a manhunt that ended when he was apprehended and extradited from New York to face justice in Maryland.
The charges against Manzueta are extensive, highlighting the severity of his alleged actions during this chaotic incident. Currently, he is being held without bail at the Harford County Detention Center as he awaits trial.
This case underscores rising concerns about public safety in the region, as such reckless behavior poses a significant threat to the community. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the chase and the motive behind the theft of cooking oil, an unusual crime that has captured public attention.
As this case develops, residents are encouraged to stay informed about any updates regarding Manzueta’s trial and further legal proceedings. The community is rallying around Lt. Burgess, who is recovering from his injuries, emphasizing the human impact of this harrowing incident.
This urgent situation serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of crime and its effects on local law enforcement and the public. Further updates are expected as the court proceedings advance, and the Harford County community will be watching closely.
