Maryland State Police arrested a driver who led them on a chase along Route 29 and through suburban neighborhoods in a stolen state highway truck. The pursuit, which involved striking more than a dozen vehicles, finally ended over an hour after it began. The incident drew a large response from law enforcement, resulting in injuries to several individuals and damage to multiple vehicles.
The chase started on the Capital Beltway at Interstate 95 in College Park, Maryland, with the driver behind the wheel of a stolen Maryland State Highway Administration truck. The driver’s reckless actions included crashing into vehicles and a Maryland state trooper, prompting a police chase through several areas, including Beltsville, College Park, Fairland, and Burtonsville.
According to Maryland State Police, the driver stole the SHA vehicle after abandoning his Ford Ranger at the I-495/I-95 Park and Ride lot, where it struck a guardrail. The pursuit continued as the stolen truck collided with power lines, rammed other vehicles, and struck multiple vehicles on southbound Route 29 near Prelude Drive. The truck eventually veered into a parking lot, hitting a pole and causing injuries to civilians and law enforcement members.
Despite the intensity of the chase and collision, the police have not positively identified the suspect. However, they mentioned that vehicle theft and first-degree assault charges are pending. Helicopter footage captured by 7News showed the truck’s front left tire blowing out just before the driver crashed into several more vehicles, ultimately coming to a stop between White Oak and Four Corners.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing as authorities piece together the events that led to the chase and subsequent collisions. The reckless and dangerous nature of the incident has raised concerns about public safety and the impact on the individuals involved in the collisions.
This incident serves as a reminder of the risks posed by individuals engaging in reckless behavior behind the wheel, as well as the importance of law enforcement in apprehending suspects involved in dangerous pursuits. The aftermath of the chase also highlights the necessity of comprehensive investigations to hold individuals accountable for their actions and provide justice to those affected by the collisions.