Drunk Driver Flees Alcohol Patrol, Crashes Into Car: Police

MONTGOMERY VILLAGE, MD — Nearly 200 drunk-driving arrests have been made since police across Montgomery County began their annual holiday task force, with one arrest Dec. 30 ending in a crash and multiple charges. The driver reportedly sped away from an officer and ultimately crashed into another vehicle.

During the seven weeks of the Alcohol Holiday Task Force, officers have arrested 192 people for DUI. That tally doesn't include arrests made by patrol officers during their regular duties. Between Dec. 27 and 30 police arrested 13 people for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

About 2:45 a.m. Saturday a task force officer on patrol near Goshen Road and Midcounty Highway in Montgomery Village reportedly a vehicle on the road without its headlights on, police say. The impaired driver, who police have not identified, drove through the flashing red traffic signal at the intersection and sped away when the officer tried to pull the driver over.

Authorities say the driver lost control of the vehicle on Quail Valley Boulevard near Bluebird Terrace and struck a parked car. The driver charged with driving under the influence, fleeing from the police, driving without a license, and additional traffic-related offenses. Police say the driver had an open arrest warrant through Pennsylvania for drug-related charges.

In 2015, Montgomery County Police Officer Noah Leotta was killed when he was hit by a repeat drunk driver while working on the alcohol task force. As a result, state law now requires ignition interlocks to all drunken driving offenders in Maryland.

And Alex and Calvin's Law, as it is known, was enacted after two Thomas Wootton High School graduates died in a crash following an underage party in June 2015. Adults who host parties where alcohol is served to minors can now face jail time and a $5,000 fine.

The countywide crackdown began Nov. 15 with a sobriety checkpoint and will continue through Sunday, Jan. 7.

Photo: A red Chevy Spark driven by an alleged drunk driver fled from a Montgomery County holiday task force officer and struck a parked vehicle. Courtesy of Montgomery County Police.