Traffic Charges Filed in Crash That Critically Injured State Trooper

An Anne Arundel County driver was issued two traffic citations for his alleged involvemennt in a crash four months ago that critically injured a state trooper who was hit by a car on a traffic stop, the Maryland State Police said.

Enrique Guzman Jr., 21, of Pasadena, was issued two traffic citations Tuesday: a violation of Maryland’s "move over" law, which carries a fine of $750; and negligent driving, which carries a fine of $280. The penalty for each charge also includes three points if the violation contributed to a traffic crash.

The charges were issued after a detailed crash reconstruction and investigation was conducted by the Maryland State Police Crash Team. The investigation was reviewed by the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office. After the review, prosecutors determined the two charges listed above should be issued to the driver. 

Guzman is charged in connection with a crash that occurred at about 1 a.m. on Oct. 6 on eastbound Route 100 before the Catherine Avenue exit. Trooper Jacqueline Kline, assigned to the Glen Burnie Barrack, had just stopped on the shoulder of the highway to back up a K-9 trooper on a traffic stop. Investigators believe that as Kline walked along the highway shoulder toward the patrol car in front of her, the car driven by Guzman struck her. 

Trooper Kline was thrown onto the hood of the striking vehicle, a 2007 Nissan Versa. She was then propelled into the back of the State Police K-9 car, where she struck the back windshield and metal K-9 cage inside the car. 

Kline was hospitalized for several weeks, but is now out of the hospital. 

The patrol says Guzman has a right to stand trial on the charges or pay the fines prior to trial.