Officer Noah Leotta Memorial Blood Drive Planned

GAITHERSBURG, MD — Montgomery County residents mourning the loss of Officer Noah Leotta, who died after he was hit by a suspected drunk driver, can give the gift of life.

The Montgomery County Police Department is urging people to donate blood in honor of Leotta on Dec 23. The blood drive is open to the public.

Leotta died Dec. 10, a week after he was hit by a car while taking part in a holiday drunk-driving task force. Suspect Luis Gustavo Reluzco, 47, of Olney, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Reluzco was arrested twice before for drunk driving and a previous conviction for drug possession.

Last week, Montgomery County Police Chief Thomas Manger denounced the drunk-driving suspect in the Leotta’s death, along with what he called Maryland’s weak laws that do little to punish offenders.

SEE ALSO:

• Officer’s Funeral: Procession Images, Video
• Police Chief Denounces ‘Drunk Driver,’ State’s Weak Laws
• Dram Shop Law Needed to Deter Drunk Drivers: Leggett

DATE: Wednesday, December 23, 2015

LOCATION: Montgomery County Public Safety Headquarters, 100 Edison Park Drive, Gaithersburg, in the first floor conference room

HOURS: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

SIGN UP: Online or call Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767

All donors are urged to register online so the Red Cross can adequately staff the blood drive. Walk-in donors will be accepted but may have a longer wait time.

Donors will receive a Red Cross long-sleeve black T-shirt and Buffalo Wild Wings and Chick-fil-A food or coupons.