On November 6, 2015 at 9:13 p.m., Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Colton Point Road and Jenny Lynn Lane for the report of a serious motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian. Units arrived on scene and discovered the pedestrian had succumbed to his injuries.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene. The investigation revealed, James Ashley Gates, age 34 of Mechanicsville, ran out of gas in his vehicle. He pulled off the roadway and was awaiting assistance when, for unknown reasons, he walked into the roadway. Roger Lee Smith 3rd, age 36 of Mechanicsville, was driving southbound on Colton Point Road in his 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. Smith attempted to avoid Gates. However, his truck struck Gates with its side view mirror. Gates remained in the roadway as a 2005 Ford Explorer being operated by a juvenile from Compton was driving southbound behind Smith. The juvenile attempted to avoid Gates, however, was unable to do so and struck him.
Speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the accident. Anyone with any information in regards to the accident is asked to contact Deputy First Class Vincent Pontorno #257 at 301-475-4040.
