Driver Injured In Riva Crash; Alcohol Role Possible Police Say

RIVA, MD — Anne Arundel County Police say alcohol use by a Lothian driver may have caused his one-vehicle crash in Davidsonville. Christopher Lawrence Austell, 55, of the 4400 block of Claybrooke Drive, was seriously injured in the accident.

Authorities say the accident happened shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday on Riva Road north of Beards Point Road. According to police, Austell's 2013 Volkswagen Passat was southbound on Riva Road when it went of the right side of the road and struck a tree. Fire Department personnel extricate Austell, who was taken to Maryland Shock Trauma in Baltimore for treatment.

The primary cause of this crash was Austell's failure to remain in a single lane. Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor, police said.

The Traffic Safety Section is handing the investigation and charges, if any, will be filed after a review by the State’s Attorney's office.

Photo courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police