Ellicott City Man Hit, Killed While Working Roadside For AAA: MSP

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — An Ellicott City man who was changing a tire on the side of I-70 died after he was hit by a car Thursday, Maryland State Police said.

State Police said Muhammad Shehzad, 38, was working as a contractor for AAA and changing a driver's tire on eastbound I-70, east of Marriottsville Road.

State Police said they believe a driver went onto the shoulder of the highway, hitting the AAA vehicle and Shehzad. The driver's vehicle continued off the right side of the highway, up an over an embankment, and into a tree, state police said. The driver, 77-year-old Peter Blakemore of Front Royal, VA, was taken to the R Adams Shock Trauma Center in an ambulance. State police said charges are pending in connection to Shehzad's death.

Troopers said Shehzad was wearing reflective clothing, and had emergency vehicle lights and hazard lights activated on his vehicle when he was hit.

Richard G. Towner, Jr., vice-president of Roadside Assistance and Approved Auto Repair for AAA Club Alliance, issued a statement that Maryland State Police included in the news release about Shehzad's death:

“We are saddened to learn of the tragic loss of our contracted AAA tow truck driver, Muhammad Shehzad, who was on the side of the road doing his job changing a member’s tire,” said Towner. “Our hearts go out to his family and others in the towing community who help people every day. We are grateful for Muhammad Shehzad’s service as a first responder. His tragic death highlights the dangers roadside workers face daily. As drivers, we all need an awareness of those working on the side of the road and act to create a safe space for them by moving over a lane —when we safely can –to prevent possible tragedies.”

Maryland State Police said the cause of the crash has not yet been determined.