Trooper Struck Yesterday In Harford Co. Construction Zone

(Aberdeen, MD) – A Maryland state trooper working traffic control in a Harford County highway construction zone was injured yesterday by a driver who drove into the marked off area and allegedly did not see the patrol car with its emergency lights activated.

The trooper is identified as First Sergeant Robert Cummings, who is assigned to the Police Communications Support Division. He has been a member of the Maryland State Police for fourteen years. First Sergeant Cumming was transported by Maryland State Police medevac to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center for treatment.

The driver of a 2009 Toyota Avalon is identified as Christofe Taylor, 28, of Logan Township, New Jersey. He did not report any injuries. Taylor was charged with CDS possession not marijuana, marijuana over 10 grams, driving through a safety zone, failure to control vehicle speed on highway to avoid collision, failure to obey traffic control device, negligent driving, driving on suspended out of state, possessing suspended license and displaying suspended license.

Just before 10:00 p.m. yesterday, First Sergeant Cummings was working traffic direction in a marked construction zone on northbound Interstate 95 at mile maker84. He was assisting with a lane closure for road repairs and was inside his unmarked 2009 Ford patrol car with his emergency lights activated. For reasons unknown at this time, the preliminary investigation indicates Logan drove into the construction zone and struck the rear portion of the patrol car. Further investigation revealed a plastic bag containing suspected marijuana and suspected ecstasy on Taylor’s person.

Drivers are reminded of Maryland’s move over law that requires motorists to move to an adjacent lane, if possible, or slow down significantly, as they approach and pass any emergency vehicle or tow service operator on the shoulder of a road. This law is intended to reduce the risk public safety workers face each day along Maryland roads.

Much of the road construction in Maryland is being conducted at night, in order to reduce traffic congestion during the day. All sites are lit by signboards, directional arrows and police officers and are marked by safety cones or barrels. Drivers are reminded to obey speed limits in work zones and to stay focused on the road ahead of them, not what is occurring in the construction site. Their attentiveness will impact their own safety, as well as the safety of construction workers and police officers.