Pedestrian struck and killed on Route 301 after walking in travel lanes late at night
WALDORF, MD — A pedestrian walking in the travel lanes of Route 301 late Thursday night was struck by a marked Maryland State Police patrol vehicle and additional cars, resulting in a fatal crash now under investigation.
Shortly before midnight, troopers from the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack responded to the area of Route 301 between Plaza Drive and St. Patrick’s Drive for reports of a pedestrian-involved collision.
Preliminary findings indicate an on-duty state trooper was traveling northbound on Route 301 in a marked patrol vehicle when it struck a pedestrian who was walking in lane two of the four-lane highway. Authorities said the pedestrian was subsequently struck by additional vehicles.
Personnel from Charles County Emergency Medical Services pronounced the pedestrian deceased at the scene. Identification is pending an autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore.
Moments before the crash, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office had received multiple calls reporting a pedestrian walking in the travel lanes of Route 301. Officials noted there is no crosswalk at the location of the crash.
No other injuries were reported.
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration assisted with road closures, which lasted approximately two hours. Deputies from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office also responded to assist.
The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the investigation. Once complete, the case will be presented to the Office of the State’s Attorney in Charles County. In accordance with protocol, the trooper involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation and an internal administrative review.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact Sergeant Justin Zimmerman at 301-392-1231.
Key Points
- A pedestrian was fatally struck on Route 301 in Waldorf late Thursday night
- An on-duty state trooper’s marked patrol vehicle was involved in the crash
- The investigation is ongoing and the trooper has been placed on administrative leave
