A sheriff’s deputy in Charles County, Maryland, hit and killed a pedestrian early Wednesday, authorities say.
The name of man who died was not immediately released. Officials said they were trying to contact his family.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office said the deputy was on duty and driving in the 3600 block of Crain Highway in Waldorf at about 4 a.m. when his car hit the pedestrian. The area is across from St. Charles Towne Center.
He tried to save the man.
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“This is a sad situation. The officer simply didn’t see the pedestrian. As soon as he struck him, he tried to help. He got out of his car, he called for medical assistance and he did everything he could to render aid, but unfortunately, the pedestrian was pronounced deceased,” said sheriff’s office spokeswoman Diane Richardson.
“This is an unfortunate incident on many levels and the accident is being investigated,” Charles County Sheriff Troy Berry said.
According to the sheriff’s office, the deputy said it was hard to see at the time of the crash. He had attempted to turn where the man was in the road.
A shoe and a yellow evidence marker could be seen later near a marked cruiser.
Waldorf resident Diane Marshall said she crosses over Crain Highway and Smallwood Drive every day. She knows of three people who have died in the area.
“Even on a light when it says it's safe to go, I don't always feel safe, because those cars sometimes do not stop at a red light," Marshall said.
People who live in the area say pedestrians often cross the street mid-block rather than going down to the traffic light.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
A part of Crain Highway was closed, and traffic was diverted.
"We're all human but they have an extra duty to be that much more safer," Marshall said.
Anyone with potentially relevant information is asked to contact the sheriff's office.
This is a developing story. Stay with News4 for more updates.
