DC Tree Trimmer Struck, Killed By Truck On Capital Beltway: Police

SILVER SPRING, MD — A D.C. man who was working with a tree-trimming operation on the shoulder of the Capital Beltway in Montgomery County Tuesday morning was struck and killed by an eastbound vehicle, according to Maryland State Police.

Erick Lewis, 57, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. The driver of the striking vehicle did not remain on the scene.

Troopers from the Rockville Barrack responded around 10:15 a.m. to the eastbound lane of Interstate 495 near Georgia Avenue for the report of a single-vehicle crash involving a pedestrian.

A preliminary investigation determined that Lewis was a crew member of a mobile tree-trimming operation that was working on the shoulder of the eastbound lanes when he was struck but the vehicle.

Police believe the the striking vehicle was a Freightliner truck hauling a flatbed with a forklift. The truck may be missing a right front headlight assembly, according to police. Charges are pending the completion of the investigation.

MSP asks anyone with information about the crash to contact the Rockville Barrack at 301-424-2101. Callers may remain confidential.