UPDATE 5/30/2025: On Friday, May 30, 2025, at approximately 1:58 hours, Troopers from Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack along with Charles County Sheriff Deputies responded to United States Route 301 north of Smallwood Drive for a report of a serious motor vehicle collision.
Due to the circumstances, the Maryland State Police CRASH Team responded to assume the investigation.
A preliminary investigation conducted by Troopers from the MSP La Plata Barrack and the MSP CRASH Team indicates a Chevrolet Traverse operated by Christian Watson age 21 of White Plains, MD, was traveling north on United States Route 301 north of Smallwood Drive. At the same time, a pedestrian identified as Edward Coates age 44 of Waldorf, MD was attempting to cross the northbound lanes of United States Route 301.
For unknown reasons, Mr. Coates entered the travel path of the Chevrolet and was subsequently struck. Mr. Coates was not in a marked crosswalk or implied crosswalk.
Medical Services performed life saving measures on Mr. Coates, however he was ultimately pronounced deceased on the scene.
Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact Sergeant J. Zimmerman of the MSP CRASH Team at (301) 392-1231 or can email a statement to [email protected].
The investigation is continuing. (25-MSP-017190)
On Friday, May 30, 2025, at approximately 1:55 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Crain Highway and Smallwood Drive in Waldorf, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian.
Multiple 911 callers reported a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle and did not appear to be breathing.
Crews arrived on the scene to confirm a single vehicle struck an unknown aged pedestrian with the victim unresponsive with a pulse.
A helicopter was requested to land nearby.
U.S. Park Police Eagle 1 responded, however, they were cancelled a short time after take off due to CPR being performed on the victim.
Emergency medical personnel pronounced one victim deceased on the scene.
The operator and striking vehicle involved remained on the scene. The 21-year-old operator along with two family members were transported to an area hospital with minor/non-life-threatening injuries.
Police are investigating the collision. Updates will be provided when they become available.
