WALDORF, Md. (April 16, 2015) – Maryland State Police is investigating a fatal collision in Charles County after a vehicle fled from a trooper making a traffic stop early this morning.
The male driver is not being identified at this time, pending confirmation of his identity and notification of next of kin. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel from Charles County. His body has been taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy.
A preliminary investigation conducted by the Maryland State Police CRASH Team, with the assistance of troopers from the La Plata Barrack, indicates that around 1:00 a.m. this morning, the driver of a 2005 Toyota Scion was traveling northbound on Route 301 in the area of Acton Lane. A trooper assigned to the La Plata Barrack observed the Toyota traveling with a tag light out.
As the Toyota approached Acton Lane, the trooper activated the emergency equipment on his marked State Police patrol unit. The Toyota refused to stop and proceeded through a steady red signal turning onto Acton Lane. As the vehicle continued westbound, it accelerated to elude the trooper.
The trooper slowed his vehicle to safely clear the intersection losing sight of the Toyota Scion. As he proceeded on Acton Lane, a short distance later, the trooper observed the Toyota on the right roadside just prior to Timberbrook Drive. The Scion struck a utility pole and overturned onto the driver. There were no passengers in the vehicle.
Due to the severity of the crash, the destruction of the utility pole, and the amount of debris, troopers closed Acton Lane for several hours. Charles County Public Works personnel assisted with road closures.
Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is asked to contact the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack at (301) 392-1231. The Charles County States Attorney’s Office has been notified of incident.
A detailed crash investigation will be conducted. The investigation is ongoing.
Source: MSP HQ, Pikesville