April 9, 2013
(BALTIMORE, MD)
Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal crash which occurred when a speeding driver lost control of his vehicle and struck a pedestrian in front of Baltimore City Hall, this afternoon.
The deceased pedestrian is identified as Matthew Hershl, 45, of Baltimore, Maryland. He was pronounced dead by medical personnel at University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.
The driver involved is identified only as a 43 year old man from Baltimore. He was taken into custody as he attempted to flee the scene. He is not being identified further at this time, due to pending charges. He is currently being treated at Mercy Medical Center for minor injuries sustained during the crash. He was operating a 2000 Acura TL.
Just before 2:00 p.m. today, Trooper First Class Zachary Mills, of the Golden Ring Barrack, was traveling southbound on the Jones Falls Expressway prior to Pleasant Street. At that time, a black Acura passenger vehicle approached Tfc. Mills’ marked Maryland State Police patrol at an extremely high rate of speed.
Concerned the vehicle may strike his patrol unit in the rear, Tfc. Mills activated the rear emergency lights to warn the oncoming vehicle. The Acura slowed and stayed directly behind the patrol vehicle. Tfc. Mills moved to the side to let the vehicle pass. Once at the Pleasant Street exit, the Acura abruptly crossed traffic and exited the expressway.
Tfc. Mills did not initiate a pursuit, but attempted to observe the vehicle in order to alert the Baltimore Police Department. The Acura continued through a red signal at the intersection of Holiday Street and Saratoga Street. The Acura attempted to make a left turn at Lexington Street and lost control.
Seeing the smoke from the brakes of the Acura and hearing sounds of a crash, Tfc. Mills activated the emergency equipment of his patrol unit and responded to the crash scene. Once at the scene, he observed that the Acura overturned and struck a pedestrian in the process. The driver was attempting to exit the vehicle and flee the scene. Tfc. Mills detained the driver. The Baltimore Police Department and emergency medical personnel were immediately notified
The Maryland State Police CRASH Team responded to the scene and is conducting the ongoing investigation. There were no passengers in the Acura. There has been no determination of speed at this point in the investigation.
Due to the severity of the crash and the amount of debris, the intersection of Holiday and Lexington Streets were closed for several hours. Baltimore Police Department officers handled the road closures.
The Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office has been notified and will be consulted reference any charges being placed against the driver. Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact the Maryland State Police, Golden Ring Barrack at (410) 780-2700.
Submitted:
Maryland State Police
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