Potomac Man Arrested At Airport After Fleeing Car Crash: Police

SILVER SPRING, MD — A Potomac man who police said struck a Montgomery County transportation worker and left the scene of the accident is now in custody on criminal charges.

Ricky Rohan Kapoor, 30, was arrested in connection with a collision involving a DOT employee on Oct. 24 near Briggs Chaney Road and Legend Oaks Drive. Kapoor was driving a silver 2006 Infiniti Sedan on Briggs Chaney Road about 9 a.m. when police said he struck the worker, who was seriously injured.

Kapoor left the scene without attempting to help the victim, and fled to Bogota, Colombia, according to a police department news release.

Authorities said Kapoor was arrested Dec. 14 on a warrant after he arrived at Dulles International Airport.

Kapoor is charged with failure to immediately return and remain at the scene of an accident involving bodily injury, a felony charge punishable by up to five years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine, according to a news release.

He is being held at the Loudon County Detention Center in Leesburg, Virginia, awaiting extradition to Maryland.

“Filing charges in this case was the critical first step, but we also need to look at addressing the broader safety concerns,” said Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada in a statement. “It is everyone's responsibility when they get behind the wheel of a car to make sure they are doing everything they can to keep all road users safe, especially our vulnerable road users. These types of tragedies are absolutely preventable.”

Police reminded drivers about what to do when approaching a work zone:

• Slow down: Reduced speed limits are posted for a reason. Workers are often very close to traffic, and a slower speed gives drivers more time to react.
• Be alert: Stay focused on the road. Avoid distractions like texting or using your phone when driving through work zones.
• Follow road signs: Pay attention to signs and traffic cones that indicate lane closures, detours, or workers in the area. These are there to guide drivers safely through the zone.
• Maintain a safe distance: Keep plenty of space between your vehicle and construction workers, machinery and other vehicles. This ensures that you have room to react to unexpected situations.
• Yield to workers: Always yield to flaggers and construction personnel. They are directing traffic to keep everyone safe.
• Expect the unexpected: Work zones can change daily, with new obstacles or lane configurations. Always stay prepared for sudden changes in traffic patterns.