Wrong-Way Driver Killed When Car Hit Tree Was On Alcohol Restriction
WALDORF, Md. (WJZ) – A driver headed east in the westbound lanes of a Charles County highway was killed in a crash moments later as he tried to flee from a state trooper attempting to stop him.
The driver has been identified as 48-year-old Gerard V. Hall, of Waldorf, Md.
Hall's driver's license was revoked and he had an alcohol restriction requiring an ignition interlock system. Police say he was the driver and sole occupant of a 2012 Nissan Altima--which was registered to an apparent roommate and did not have an interlock system.
At 11:15 p.m. Wednesday, a trooper called in the tag number of the vehicle Hall was driving. Moments before, the trooper spotted the Nissan being driven east in the westbound lanes of Smallwood Drive. Hall had pulled into a business parking lot, where he was seen unbuckling his seat belt before pulling back out onto Smallwood Drive, this time headed east in the eastbound lanes.
The trooper activated his emergency lights to attempt a traffic stop, but Hall sped away. Seconds later and about one-quarter of a mile away, the Nissan traveled straight through the intersection of Smallwood Drive and St. Charles Parkway and struck a tree. Hall was transported by ambulance to the University of Maryland Charles Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Hall's body will be transported to the medical examiner's office. Troopers at the scene say they smelled a strong odor of alcohol, but will await toxicology tests.
The investigation continues.
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