On Monday, March 23, 2026, just after 5:00 a.m., a Trooper from the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle, which was reported stolen through the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.
The Trooper assigned to the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack was operating in the area of Willows Road when he observed a black Kia Rio that had been reported stolen. According to a preliminary investigation, the trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the Kia subsequently fled.
Troopers reported the vehicle was fleeing in excess of 124 mph when travelling Southbound on Three Notch Road.
Maryland State Police Aviation Command launched a helicopter to assist while additional Troopers set up spike strips at Point Lookout Road and Mattapany Road. The Kia struck the stop sticks and subsequently crashed into the rear of the Trooper’s marked patrol vehicle.
Due to the teen’s injuries, aviation was requested to respond and land at the scene.
Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 2 and U.S. Park Police Eagle 2 responded to the scene and transported both juveniles to the Children’s National Hospital with injuries reported as non-life-threatening.
No other injuries were reported on scene.
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration responded to the scene to assist with traffic management. The Maryland State Police Crash Team is assisting with the active and ongoing investigation.
