St. Mary’s County, MD (March 23, 2026) – Two juveniles were injured early on Monday morning following a crash in St. Mary’s County during an attempted traffic stop. The incident occurred shortly before 5:30 a.m. on March 23, in the Willows Road area and along Maryland Route 5 near Mattapany Road.
Police reported that a black Kia Rio, reported stolen through the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, fled when a trooper attempted to make a traffic stop. A second trooper deployed stop sticks, causing the Kia to strike the devices and crash into the rear of a marked patrol vehicle.
The 14-year-old male driver and 15-year-old male passenger were transported to a local hospital by Maryland State Police Aviation Command for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash. No law enforcement officers or other individuals were injured.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, including the vehicle theft, pursuit, and resulting collision.
We hope both juveniles recover fully from their injuries.
High-Risk Pursuits and Traffic Safety
Pursuits involving stolen vehicles pose significant danger to drivers, passengers, law enforcement, and other motorists. High speeds, evasive maneuvers, and sudden deployment of stop devices increase the likelihood of serious injury or vehicle damage.
Emergency response teams work quickly to treat injured parties and secure the scene. Investigators examine factors such as vehicle condition, roadway layout, and driver behavior to determine how the crash occurred. Even brief pursuits can result in serious consequences, highlighting the importance of safe driving and adherence to traffic laws.
