A suspected drunk driver struck and injured a Maryland State Police trooper while he was in his cruiser and a pedestrian early Sunday morning, police said.
The crash happened about 3:30 a.m. Sunday in Prince George’s County, Maryland, along Route 4 (Pennsylvania Avenue) just west of Presidential Parkway, state police said in a release.
Maryland State Police Trooper Solomon Flash was parked at the scene of a crash with his emergency lights on, when a Hyundai rear-ended his cruiser, state police said.
After hitting the patrol car, the Hyundai skidded off the roadway and struck a pedestrian who was standing near the guardrail. The pedestrian, Anthony Owelle, 28, of Laurel, was one of the drivers involved in the original collision.
Police said the driver, 37-year-old Chris M. Dent, of Upper Marlboro, showed signs of being under the influence. Officers arrested Dent. He was not injured in the crash and has been charged with driving under the influence. Police said more traffic charges will also be filed against Dent.
Flash was taken to the hospital with a possible concussion, according to police. He has since been released from the hospital and is OK, police said.
Owelle remains in the hospital. His condition is not known at this time.
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According to the News4 I-Team, at least 37 Maryland State Police troopers have been hit by vehicles since January 2016.
