DRUNK DRIVER ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT ON TROOPER

(MECHANICSVILLE, MD) – A suspected drunk driver operating a stolen vehicle is in jail in St. Mary’s County after he assaulted a state trooper following a vehicle pursuit last night.

The accused is identified as John R. Collins, 28, of Mechanicsville, Md. He is charged with second degree assault, resisting arrest, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, DUI, fleeing and eluding, and related motor vehicle offenses. He has been incarcerated in the St. Mary’s County Detention Center on $53,500 full bond.

Shortly after 8:30 p.m. yesterday, Trooper First Class Jeffrey Gibson of the Leonardtown Barrack was on patrol in the north end of St. Mary’s County when he attempted to stop a 1992 Ford pickup, occupied by a driver and four passengers, for a traffic violation. The driver refused to stop and a pursuit ensued.

The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Collins, attempted to turn into a driveway on Asher Road, east of Cox Drive in Mechanicsville, when he lost control and the truck crashed into a wooded ravine. All five persons in the truck ran from the vehicle.

TFC Gibson ran down Collins on foot and attempted to take him into custody. Despite having sustained injuries in the crash, Collins immediately assaulted the trooper. The trooper prevailed and was able to take Collins into custody, despite sustaining injuries to his head and face.

Both TFC Gibson and Collins were flown by Maryland State Police helicopters to the Prince George’s Hospital Center. TFC Gibson was treated and released shortly before midnight. Collins was treated and released into State Police custody about 12:30 a.m. today.

Two of the juveniles were transported by ambulance to St. Mary’s Hospital. They were believed to have minor injuries.

Further investigation revealed the pickup truck had been stolen from Mechanicsville. No charges were filed last night against any of the juveniles, but the investigation is continuing