A preliminary investigation conducted by troopers from the La Plata Barrack, with the assistance of the Maryland State Police CRASH Team and members of the Southern Region Crash Unit, indicates a 2004 Yamaha R1 motorcycle operated by Robert William Atkinson, Jr., 29, of La Plata, was traveling on westbound MD Route 228 in the area of Cassidy Street. At the same time, an unidentified dark silver passenger car was also traveling on westbound Maryland Route 228. The Yamaha R1 approached the unidentified dark silver passenger car from behind and collided into the rear of the unidentified passenger car. The unidentified passenger car stopped briefly after the collision, made a U-turn towards Waldorf and fled the scene.
Atkinson was transported by Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 2 to Prince George's Hospital in Cheverly with serious injuries.
Upon completion of the investigation, police say the case will be presented to the Charles County States Attorney's Office for determination of charges.
Anyone who may have witnessed this crash or can identify the dark silver passenger car with rear-end damage and/or the operator is asked to contact the MSP La Plata Barrack Duty Officer at (301) 392-1200 or Cpl. J. Zimmerman of the Maryland State Police Crash Team at (301) 392-1231. The investigation is continuing and being investigated by TFC. M. Milich. (16-MSP-021727)