SILVER SPRING, Md. — A Maryland State Police trooper is in the hospital after his marked police cruiser was rear-ended by a speeding driver in a work zone Monday morning. The trooper's current condition is not known at this time.
Investigators say the crash happened around 4:30 a.m. on the inner loop of Interstate 495 near Silver Spring. Four lanes of the inner loop of the Beltway were closed early Monday morning for the crash investigation. All lanes reopened around 9:15 a.m.
A Maryland State Police spokesperson said the trooper was working in a work zone area at with his emergency lights activated at the time of the crash. The trooper was struck from behind by a speeding white Mercedes SUV. Two people in the SUV were also hospitalized. Their condition, or the severity of their injuries, is not known at this time.
The SUV's driver, identified as 31-year-old Anthony Bowser of Washington, D.C., is suspect of impairment, according to police. Charges are expected to be released pending the outcome of the investigation.
Maryland's new Move Over Law went into effect on Oct. 1, 2022. Under the law drivers are required to make a lane change or slow down when approaching all stopped, standing or parked cars displaying warning signals. The signals include:
- Hazard warning lights
- Road flares
- Traffic cones
- Caution signs
- Non-vehicular warning signs
Violating the law is a misdemeanor carrying a $110 fine and one point on your license. If the violation causes a crash, the fine is $150 and three points. If there is a death or serious injury, the fine is $750 and three points.