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Montgomery Co. officer in critical condition after being hit by suspected drunk driver on I-270

The crash investigation closed northbound lanes of I-270 near Gaithersburg for several hours during the morning commute

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — A Montgomery County Police officer is suffering from serious injuries after a crash early Wednesday morning.

According to investigators, the crash happened just before 4 a.m. when police were attempting to stop a driver believed to be under the influence on Interstate 270 near Watkins Mill in Gaithersburg. 

The officer, who has only been identified as a man, got out of his patrol car to deploy stop sticks, used to deflate tires. As the officer was in the process of deploying the stop sticks, the suspected drunk driver struck the officer and continued driving northbound on I-270. A second officer successfully deployed stop sticks and the vehicle came to a stop, police said.

Two people inside the car are currently in custody. Police have not said what charges they may be facing. 

The officer was taken to the hospital and is currently in critical condition. Police describe his injuries as "very serious." He was later identified as Sgt. Patrick Kepp.

Authorities say I-270 northbound, north of Watkins Mill, was completely shut down as a result of the collision. There is currently not an estimate for when it will be reopened to commuters. By 7 a.m., one lane was getting by the crash scene. Drivers have been advised to seek an alternative route and expect significant delays.

Check our interactive traffic map for the latest conditions in your area.

This is a developing story. We are working to confirm additional details. Stay with WUSA9 for the latest updates as they come in to our newsroom. 

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