Highway Patrol Car Struck While Stopping Impaired Driver

An Edgewater driver is in custody this morning, accused of running into a patrol car Sunday night as the state trooper was attempting to pull him over for suspected impaired driving.

Dillon C. Haneke, 23, of Edgewater, is charged with driving under the influence, assault, and reckless endangerment.

The trooper was treated and released from the hospital. A passenger in the suspect’s car was taken to Anne Arundel Co. Medical Center. His condition was not released.

At about 7:00 p.m. Sunday, a Pontiac G6 driven by Haneke was located by the trooper after several calls from citizens reporting a possible impaired driver eastbound on Rt. 50.

The car was near exit 29 and observed weaving across lanes and driving about 10 mph. The trooper activated his emergency lights and attempted to stop the car, but the driver did not stop, according to a state police statement.

The trooper drove to the right side of the vehicle and verbally ordered the driver to stop, and then drove ahead of the weaving vehicle, at which time the suspect struck the driver’s side of the trooper’s car.

The Pontiac then struck the jersey wall and turned onto its side, according to police. No other vehicles were involved.

The trooper involved is identified as Trooper Andrew Lee. Maryland State Police say he has been a trooper for more than 2 years.

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