LA PLATA, Md. (Oct. 30, 2008) - The La Plata Barrack of the Maryland State Police (MSP) recently released the following incident and arrest reports.
DUI, PURSUIT: On October 26 at approximately 9:06 p.m., while working speed enforcement on Rosewick Road near Radio Station Road, Trooper J. Everly observed a vehicle that appeared to be traveling faster than the posted speed limit of 25 mph. Trooper Everly activated his radar unit and determined the vehicle was traveling at 52 mph. He activated his emergency equipment to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle. While making an approach to the vehicle to make contact with the driver, the driver accelerated in an attempt to flee. While giving chase to the vehicle, multiple violations were observed and Trooper Everly’s vehicle was struck by the driver’s vehicle. The driver made contact with stop sticks on westbound La Plata Road, and then continued to flee the area, eventually ending up in a field. The driver then fled on foot. The driver, James P. Wallingford, 38, of La Plata, was apprehended and charged with DUI, and numerous other traffic violations, malicious destruction and assault-first degree.
FATAL ACCIDENT: Ryan Matthew Petajnik, 24, of White Plains, was riding his 2008 Suzuki Motorcycle on Oct. 6 at 6:43 p.m. when he lost control and struck the guardrail. Petajnik was traveling on the Hughesville Bypass Southbound Maryland Rt 5 (Leonardtown Rd) south of Business Rt 5 at the Harley Davidson Dealer at a speed greater than reasonable. Petajnik was transported by Paramedic Ambulance # 27 to Civista Medical Center.