Officer Who Died In Crash Had Passenger In Police Car
LANHAM, Md. (WJZ)—Family, friends and fellow officers in Prince George's County are mourning the loss of one of their own after Officer Brennan Rabain was killed in the line of duty on Saturday morning.
Alex DeMetrick has more on the tragic accident.
Shattered wood and simple remembrances mark the scene where earlier a patrol car sat for hours and the search for answers began.
"It is with a very heavy heart that I announce police Officer Brennan Rabain died in the line of duty as a result of the injuries sustained in fatal motor vehicle accident this morning around 3:30 a.m.," said Chief Mark Magaw.
Officer Brennan Rabain was just 26-years-old and was with Prince George's County Police less than two years.
The department says he was patrolling Greenbelt Road in Lanham, when he apparently reported he was starting to make a traffic stop.
A short time later, a passing driver called police that one of their cars had crashed into a wooden fence.
Police are looking at weather conditions as a possible cause. Black ice was area wide overnight. The force of the impact also indicates speed may have played a part in the crash. Investigators hope to learn more from the car's dashboard camera. It may help determine why Officer Rabain reportedly began his pursuit, and possibly reveal enough of the other car, to lead to a driver.
But before those answers come, there is a fallen officer to mourn.
"It's devastating for us to lose a young officer at such a young age, who loved what he was doing. It's just devastating. I don't know how else to put it," said Chief Magaw.
Police confirmed on Saturday night that Officer Rabain did have a female passenger in the cruiser with him. That passenger, who is not being identified at this time, was transported and released with minor injuries.
"There was a lady inside the car and came out and was crying toward my house," one neighbor said.
Police say Officer Rabain's family live in Prince George's County and leaves behind a 3-year-old son.
Prince George's County Police are also thanking the community for the condolences the department has been receiving, since news broke about the officer's death.