Charges Filed in Crash That Killed State Fire Marshal and FBI Agent
Traffic charges have been filed against the driver involved with a traffic incident that killed two law enforcement officers last year.
Roberto Garza Palacios, 28, of Germantown, was charged with negligent driving, according to court documents.
The charge comes after an investigation led by the Maryland State Police Crash Team into a traffic incident on Dec. 8 on southbound I-270.
Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal Sander Cohen was off-duty driving south on I-270 when he came upon FBI Special Agent Carlos Wolff’s personal vehicle disabled in the travel lane. He called the Maryland State Police Rockville Barrack for assistance and blocked the damaged vehicle with his own. Cohen activated his emergency flashers to safeguard the scene and both men moved to the shoulder of the fast lane, according to a news release.
The investigation found a southbound 2000 Honda Accord, driven by Garza Palacios, swerved to the left of the stopped vehicles because he was unable to move to the right due to traffic. The Honda struck both men as they stood on the highway shoulder. Both victims were thrown over the jersey wall to the northbound side of I-270.
Alcohol, drugs and speed were not factors in this crash, according to officials.
The charge carries a penalty of a $280 fine and three points. Garza Palacios is scheduled to appear in court early July.
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