Local Man Sentenced To 12 Years In Prison For Drunk Driving Death

GLEN BURNIE, MD — A 40-year-old Glen Burnie man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for one count of negligent manslaughter and lesser charges. The maximum sentence for manslaughter is 10 years. Christopher Thomas had entered a guilty plea to the charges Sept. 4.

"The defendant made the choice to get in the car and drive under the influence of alcohol and that resulted in the death of Raymond McCarter," said Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. "This case is a reminder of how dangerous drunk driving is and the terrible toll it can exact. It's my hope that the sentence provides a sense of solace to the family as they continue to heal from this tragedy."

On Feb. 16, Thomas was driving a Ford F-150 pick-up truck west in the eastbound lanes on MD Route 32 when he collided with a Toyota Camry traveling eastbound on MD Route 32. The Camry was driven by McCarter. The force of the impact caused McCarter's vehicle to spin around and stop on the right side shoulder. Thomas' vehicle continued to travel west in the eastbound lanes before veering off the right-hand side of the roadway and stopping against a guardrail. McCarter was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anne Arundel County police officers reported they could smell alcohol on Thomas' breath and his eyes were bloodshot and glassy. Thomas was advised of his rights and agreed to take a breathalyzer test. His blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was .19. In the state of Maryland, the law prohibits anyone from operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .08 or above.