A sheriff’s deputy in Charles County, Maryland fatally struck a pedestrian Wednesday, authorities said.
The name of the man who died was not immediately released. Authorities said they were trying to contact his family.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office said the deputy was working and driving in the 3600 block of Crain Highway in Waldorf around 4 am when he struck the pedestrian. The area is across from the St. Charles Towne Center.
The uniformed tried to save the man.
“This is a sad situation. The officer simply did not see the pedestrian. Immediately when he hit him, he tried to help. He got out of the car, called for medical attention and did everything he could to render assistance, but unfortunately, the pedestrian was pronounced dead,” said Diane Richardson, the sheriff’s office spokeswoman.
Chief Troy Berry said it was an “unfortunate incident” and the accident was being investigated.
According to authorities, the officer said it was difficult to see at the time of the crash. He had tried to turn where the man was in the road.
A shoe and a yellow evidence marker could then be seen near a patrol car.
Diane Marshall, a Waldorf resident, said she crosses Crain Highway and Smallwood Drive every day. She knows of three people who have died in the area.
“Even when there’s a light that says it’s safe to cross, I don’t always feel safe, because those cars sometimes don’t stop for red lights,” Marshall said.
Area residents said pedestrians often cross the street in the middle of the block instead of going down to the light.
The cause of the crash is still being investigated.
Part of Crain Highway was closed and traffic was diverted.
“We are all human, but they have an additional duty to be even safer,” Marshall said.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office.
