On August 15, 2019, at approximately
3:47 a.m. deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the
35800 block of Bay Drive in Chaptico, for the reported motor vehicle
collision. Upon arrival deputies located
a single vehicle off the roadway, on fire.
The operator and sole occupant of the vehicle was transported to a local
trauma center with incapacitating injuries. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s
Office Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene and continued the investigation.
Preliminary investigation determined a
1999 Ford Ranger operated by Garland Lawson Coleman, age 83 of Chaptico, was
traveling northbound on Longview Road.
For unknown reasons the vehicle continued through the intersection at
Washington Avenue, through a field, and ultimately became disabled in a ditch
alongside Bay Drive. Coleman was trapped in the vehicle which caught on fire.
Coleman was removed from the vehicle by citizens who heard the collision, prior
to police and emergency responders arriving on scene.
At this time speed and alcohol do not
appear to be contributing factors in the collision. Anyone who witnessed the collision or events
leading up to the collision is asked to contact Deputy Matthew Beyer at (301)
475-4200 extension *8005 or by email at Matthew.Beyer@stmarysmd.com.
For official news and information,
follow the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter @firstsheriff.
