Deputy Strikes Trooper with Car During Pursuit


WALDORF, Md. (Sept. 18, 2009)—A Maryland state trooper sustained non-life threatening injuries early this morning while he was pursuing a driver who had refused to stop for a traffic violation in Charles County and then ran off on foot when the car he was driving became disabled.

The male suspect has not been positively identified at this time. Troopers and county sheriff's deputies are continuing to search for him this morning in the Waldorf area.

The trooper is identified as Trooper First Class Anthony C. Ford, 23, who is assigned to road patrol duties at the La Plata Barracks. He has been a trooper for two years and was a Maryland State Police cadet for three years.

Shortly after 1:30 a.m. today, TFC Ford called out a traffic stop he was about to make on a black Mercedes operating on Rt. 925 at Smallwood Drive in Waldorf. The trooper activated the emergency lights on his unmarked patrol vehicle, but moments later advised dispatch that the driver was not stopping.

The suspect turned onto northbound Rt. 5 and crossed Rt. 301 onto Rt. 228. About a minute after the trooper had initiated the traffic stop, the suspect took an exit ramp attempting to turn right onto Western Parkway. The suspect struck the concrete island median and the car he was driving became disabled. The suspect immediately fled on foot.

With no place to pull over at that location, TFC Ford stopped his car in the roadway and began to pursue the suspect on foot. A Charles County Sheriff's Office deputy who was responding to assist the trooper turned right on the ramp and saw the trooper's car stopped in the road. The preliminary investigation indicates the deputy swerved up onto the concrete median to avoid striking the car. As he did so, the deputy's car struck TFC Ford who was pursuing the suspect on foot.

The trooper landed on the hood of the deputy's car, but immediately jumped off and continued to run after the suspect. When he reached the nearby woods, the trooper realized he was injured and emergency assistance was requested. He was flown by a Maryland State Police helicopter to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center for treatment. His injuries are believed to be non-life threatening.

A second Maryland State Police helicopter responded to the area to assist troopers and sheriff's deputies with a search for the suspect. A sheriff's office K-9 team conducted a track through the area. The suspect was not located immediately, but the search is continuing.

It is unknown at this time why the suspect fled from police. Troopers have identified the owner of the vehicle. She had apparently been hosting a party at her home last night. The car is not believed to have been stolen.

The investigation is continuing.

Source: MSP HQ, Pikesville

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