COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Maryland State Police (MSP) are currently investigating an incident where a man was found lying in the travel portion of I-495 near College Park after allegedly jumping out of a vehicle.
Shortly before 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon, MSP troopers responded to the outer loop of I-495 at Route 450 in College Park after numerous calls were received reporting a body lying in the roadway.
Upon arrival, police said they found the body of a man wearing black sweatpants and a gray sweatshirt was found lying in the travel portion of I-495. A black Honda Accord was also located on the right shoulder with the engine running and in neutral, police said.
The driver of a tractor trailer told MSP police on the scene that he witnessed the driver of the Honda jump out of the open driver’s side window and attempt to jump onto the back end of his tractor trailer. Additionally, the driver also witnessed the Honda continue to travel without anyone inside the vehicle.
In a release to WUSA9, MSP believes that the Honda traveled on the right shoulder before it struck the guard rail and eventually came to a rest.
MSP said the witness’ description of the driver of the Honda matched that of the man found lying in the roadway -- as multiple witnesses provided detailed descriptions to MSP regarding the incident.
The man involved is identified as Mahmoud Diop, 30, of D.C. He was taken to the Prince George’s Hospital Center for medical treatment. Authorities said they are investigating whether impairment contributed to the incident.
