Trooper Injured In Dorchester Co. Crash

(EAST NEW MARKET, MD) – A Maryland state trooper has been hospitalized for treatment of injuries he sustained this morning after a crash that occurred while he was patrolling in Dorchester Co.

The trooper is identified as Master Trooper Clinton Weems, 49, who is assigned to the Easton Barrack. He is currently listed in serious condition at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center where he is undergoing treatment.

The driver of a 2006 Ford F-450 pulling a trailer is identified as Tristen E. Blake, 19, of Federalsburg, Md. He was treated on the scene and released. A passenger in the truck is identified as Jesus Sanchez, 41, of Cambridge, Md. He was treated on the scene and released.

Shortly before 8:30 a.m. today, Master Trooper Weems was on routine patrol, traveling in a marked patrol car westbound on Rt. 392, east of Railroad Rd. The Ford F-450 was on Rt. 392 traveling in the opposite direction. The preliminary investigation indicates that, for reasons still under investigation, the Ford F-450 crossed the centerline and struck the trooper head-on.

Master Trooper Weems was trapped in his car and had to be extricated by county fire and EMS personnel. He was flown by Maryland State Police helicopter to the Shock Trauma Center.

There is no indication at this time that alcohol was involved. No charges have been filed, but are pending. The passenger in the truck was found to be wanted on a warrant from Pennsylvania and was arrested.

Personnel from the Hurlock Police Department and Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene. The Maryland State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division also responded and assisted. The investigation into the crash by the Maryland State Police Crash Team is continuing.

Master Trooper Weems has been a member of the Maryland State Police for 19 years. He is assigned to road patrol duties at the Easton Barrack.