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Thursday, July 09, 2015

Trooper Struck While On Traffic Stop In Howard Co.

JESSUP, MD) – Maryland State Police are continuing to investigate a crash that injured three people and involved a trooper who was struck on the shoulder of the road this afternoon along Interstate 95 in Howard County.

The trooper is identified as Trooper First Class Wing Tong, assigned to the Waterloo Barrack. Tfc. Tong is a three and one-half year veteran of the Maryland State Police. He was transported by the Maryland State Police Aviation Command to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center for treatment. Tfc. Tong was outside of his marked patrol vehicle when he was struck.

The driver of the Mercury was identified as Maureen Walter, 65, of Poolesville, Maryland. She was transported to Howard County General Hospital due to injuries sustained in crash. Ms. Walter is currently a civilian employee of the Maryland State Police and was driving a vehicle registered to the Department.

The third driver is identified as Fabino De Aguiar, 35 of Silver Spring, Maryland. Mr. Aguiar sustained injuries from the collision and was transported to Howard County General Hospital for treatment.

The investigation is being conducted by the Maryland State Police CRASH Team with the assistance of troopers from the Waterloo Barrack. The preliminary investigation indicates that at about 3:00 p.m. today, Tfc. Tong was on patrol southbound on I-95 in the area of Route 175 when he stopped a Ford displaying what appeared to be improper license plates. Tfc. Tong was awaiting assistance from another responding trooper on the right shoulder. Tfc. Tong’s marked patrol unit had its emergency lights activated as he left his car and began walking up the passenger side of the Ford he had stopped. For reasons unknown at this time, the Mercury passenger car moved from the travel portion of the highway onto the shoulder, striking Tfc. Tong’s patrol vehicle and the Ford stopped ahead of it. The impact from the Mercury forced the Ford into Tfc. Tong, pushing him over the guardrail.

Due to the severity of the crash and the amount of debris, troopers closed southbound I-95 in the area of Route 175. The road was closed for several hours. State Highway Administration personnel along with officers from the Howard County Police Department assisted with road closures and established detours.

No charges have been filed at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds to me, the cop is a t fault... Should pull people over, let alone on the interstate with a shoulder of like 3 feet wide... then you turn your car at a weird angle and it sticks out in traffic...

towjam said...

Its called the MOVE OVER LAW. Move over and slow down. If you cant grasp the concept as to why you should do that then you shouldnt be driving in the first place.

Anonymous said...

Seems to me there have been more police deaths and injuries since the advent of the move over law.

Anonymous said...

Your screaming because they finally enforced the law for you. Just remember its only of a person can move over safely. That never happens. This law has people jamming on brakes and forcing people to squeeze into the lanes unsafely. It's a stupid law!

Anonymous said...

Well that's kinda what these cops should expect when you step out in front of vehicles that you know were speeding. But here's what some of those smart cops don't seem to understand..... Those yellow reflective vests do not deflect cars they don't put you in a protective bubble. If a driver is checking his mirrors or looking at vehicles around him there is a good chance they won't see you.. but by all means get that money for the state. And finally to the state funerals that you all have to pay for cost more then the 500 bucks you'll get off that ticket, still think it's worth it?