State Trooper Hit By Drunk Driver on Beltway: Officials

MORNINGSIDE, MD – A suspected drunk driver is charged with crashing into a Maryland state trooper's vehicle while it was parked in the median on I-495 Sunday night, in the second case of a trooper struck in November and the 15th this year hit while patrolling the Capital Beltway.

Trooper Dennis Moguche, who is assigned to road patrol duties at the Forestville Barrack, was monitoring traffic when the crash happened, official said. Moguche was taken to the Fort Washington Hospital, where he was treated for injuries and later released.

The accused driver is Christopher Howard, 43, of Indian Head. He was charged Sunday with driving while impaired, driving under the influence, reckless driving, negligent driving, and failure to control speed to avoid a collision. He was released after appearing before a court commissioner and posting a $3,500 bond. He reported no injuries after the crash.

Authorities say the crash happened just after 7 p.m. as Moguche was in his marked patrol car, sitting in the center median crossover on I-495, north of Route 5. A Buick LaSabre, driven by Howard, left the roadway and reportedly struck the trooper’s car. A State Police supervisor responding to assist placed Howard under arrest after an investigation indicated he was driving under the influence.

State Police urge drivers to be alert for police, fire/rescue personnel, tow service operators, construction workers, and disabled motorists who are often along the shoulders of Maryland roads.

While not applicable in last night’s crash, Maryland’s move over law requires drivers approaching a police vehicle, fire/rescue unit, or tow truck on the side of the road with its lights activated, to move to an adjacent lane away from the first responder if possible. If an adjacent lane is not available, drivers must slow to a safe speed as they pass the scene.