UPDATE 29-FEB @Noon: Autopsy results are in...
HUGHESVILLE, Md. (Feb. 28, 2016)—Maryland State Police uniform troopers and criminal investigators are on the scene of a potential homicide that was first reported as a traffic crash along Rt. 5 in Charles County.
Details are minimal at this time, but the victim is an adult male. Troopers are working to make a positive identification and notify family. An identification is not expected to be released until tomorrow.
Shortly before 3:00 p.m. today, troopers from the La Plata Barrack were dispatched to what was reported to be a traffic crash along the Hughesville Bypass, on northbound Rt. 5, near Old Leonardtown Road, in Hughesville, Md. Troopers found an overturned motorcycle and its operator who had been ejected. Evidence indicated the driver had run off the left side of the roadway.
Emergency medical services personnel pronounced the victim dead at the scene. A forensic examiner responded and during an examination of the victim, found what appeared to be evidence in his clothing and trauma to his body indicative of a gunshot wound. The body will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.
Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit are continuing the investigation, with assistance from the Criminal Enforcement Division, Forensic Sciences Division, La Plata Barrack troopers, and the Charles County Sheriff's Office. Scene processing is expected to continue through the evening.
Portions of north and southbound Rt. 5 on the bypass in the area of Hughesville will be closed throughout the evening as investigators process the scene and search for evidence. State Highway Administration personnel will be assisting with lane closures and detours around the scene.
No information about a potential suspect or suspects is known at this time. Anyone who may have witnessed this apparent shooting or was in the area of the Rt. 5 bypass around 3 p.m. today is urged to contact the Maryland State Police at the La Plata Barrack at 301-392-1200.