STATE TROOPER STRUCK BY HIT AND RUN VEHICLE IN BALTO. CO.

(RUXTON, MD) – A search is underway for a driver and vehicle that fled after hitting and injuring a Maryland state trooper while he was on a traffic stop early this morning on I-83 near Ruxton Road in Baltimore County.

The trooper is identified as Trooper First Class Jason M. James, 30, who is assigned to the Golden Ring Barrack and has been a member of the Maryland State Police for four and one-half years. He was taken by ambulance to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center where he is being treated for what are believed to be non-life threatening injuries.

The preliminary investigation indicates that shortly after 1:00 a.m. today, TFC James was on a traffic stop on northbound I-83, just north of Ruxton Rd. As the trooper was standing at the side of the stopped vehicle issuing a citation to the driver, he was struck by a northbound vehicle. At this time, it is believed the trooper was struck by the mirror and side of the passing vehicle and was pushed into the car he had stopped. The trooper was able to call over his radio to report he had been struck.

The vehicle that struck the trooper did not stop and fled the scene. The suspect vehicle is described as a four-door passenger car, possibly gold or tan. Due to pieces of the vehicle found at the scene, investigators believe the car could be a Buick Le Sabre. No further description is known at this time.

The trooper was in uniform and was wearing a light-colored reflective jacket. The emergency lights and the spotlight on his car were activated at the time he was hit.

Anyone who may have seen this occur or who may have been northbound on I-83 in the area of Ruxton Road about 1:00 a.m. today is urged to contact the Golden Ring Barrack at 410-780-2700, then press ‘0’ to speak to the duty officer or police communications officer.