Trooper Struck While on Traffic Stop in Prince George’s Co. Suspect Flees on Foot

(UPPER MARLBORO, MD) – Maryland State Police are investigating a hit and run crash that injured a trooper earlier this morning while conducting a traffic stop along I-495 in Prince George’s County.

The trooper is identified as Trooper James Tegeler, assigned to the Forestville Barrack. Trooper Tegeler is a three and one-half year veteran of the Maryland State Police. He was transported by emergency medical personnel to the Prince George’s County Hospital. Trooper Tegeler was seated inside his marked patrol vehicle, with the emergency equipment activated.

The driver of the Chevrolet Tahoe is identified as Christopher Wright, 31, of the 2000 block of E Street NE, Washington D.C. Wright failed to stop after the collision. He was charged on traffic citation with violations of driving under the influence, reckless driving, operating the vehicle in a negligent manner, and failing to stop after a collision involving injury.

The third driver is identified as Janice Dejesus, 53, of Annapolis, Maryland. Ms. DeJesus was operating a Ford Explorer with two passengers, Tina Brown, 48, and Karica DeJesus, 34. None of the occupants of the Explorer were injured.

The preliminary investigation indicates that around 3:30 a.m., Trooper Tegeler was conducting a traffic stop on I-495 in the area of Suitland Parkway. His marked Maryland State Police vehicle was stopped on the right shoulder with the emergency equipment activated. While completing paperwork, a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe struck the right passenger side of the patrol unit. The Tahoe continued down a culvert before striking a guardrail. The driver jumped out of the vehicle and fled the scene on foot after the vehicle became disabled.

Emergency medical personnel were requested and immediately responded to assist Trooper Tegeler. He was transported to Prince George’s County Hospital. Trooper Tegeler has been treated and released. He is recuperating at home.

A short time later, Prince George’s County 911 received a call from a person advising he had been carjacked. The person, later identified as Christopher Wright, was transported to Forestville Barrack by officers from the Prince George’s County Police. Troopers were able to establish that Wright was the driver that fled the scene of the collision. Wright demonstrated signs indicating he may have been operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Further investigation was conducted and he was arrested for DUI.

Due to the severity of the crash and the amount of debris, troopers closed the right two lanes of northbound I-495 in the area of Suitland Parkway. The road was closed for approximately two hours. State Highway Administration personnel, along with officers from the Prince George’s County Police Department, assisted with road closures and established detours. The crash investigation is being conducted by troopers from the Forestville Barrack. This investigation is ongoing.