FREDERICK COUNTY – A Friday afternoon six-vehicle crash in Frederick County sent multiple victims to Winchester Medical Center for treatment and shut down Route 37 Southbound between the Winchester Medical Center and Route 50 exits for about two hours.
A Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) cruiser was one of the vehicles involved in the accident, which occurred around 3:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14. Initial reports indicated that a deputy may have been struck while on a traffic stop or otherwise engaged in law enforcement activity on the shoulder of the highway, as those calling 9-1-1 saw the cruiser off the road along with a semi tractor-trailer. A media release from Frederick County Sheriff Lenny Milholland’s office stated that the FCSO cruiser was one of the six vehicles involved in the crash but was traveling southbound with the other victims, and not stationary along the shoulder of the road.
In addition to the police cruiser, four passenger vehicles and commercial motor vehicle were involved in the accident. Six drivers and two passengers were evaluated on scene by rescue personnel and four drivers and both passengers were then transported to Winchester Medical Center for treatment.
The FCSO deputy, whose vehicle was struck in the driver’s side with heavy impact was trapped in her vehicle and had to be extricated by Frederick County Fire and Rescue personnel before being transported to WMC.
Lieutenant Warren Gosnell of the FCSO Traffic Division is heading up the investigation of the crash stating, “Multiple witnesses and drivers have confirmed the presence of a seventh vehicle that is believed to have been the catalyst of the crash and that subsequently fled the scene. This crash had the potential to be deadly and we are all thankful that those being treated appear to be suffering from only a minor injury.”
Gosnell stated that, based on driver and witness statements, it appears the seventh vehicle had been seen driving in an erratic manner and was possibly being observed by the deputy when the driver suddenly stopped in the roadway on his own.
“We have several independent reports that a black passenger vehicle stopped in the middle lane for reasons unknown causing everyone behind him to brake hard and starting the chain reaction crash,” Gosnell concluded.
Gosnell identified the deputy involved as Deputy Kristen E. Bradford, a three-year veteran of the agency, who is also a member of the Traffic Division. He said that Deputy Bradford was admitted to Winchester Medical Center for further treatment and evaluation for a concussion and non-life-threatening injuries.
Sheriff Lenny Millholland added, “The good Lord was watching down on those involved in this incident today and we are so very thankful for that and for all the well wishes Kristen and our other deputies have received from members of the public.”
Millholland continued, “It’s one of the worst calls you can receive, as a Sheriff or Chief, that one of your people has been involved in a crash and is hurt. I’m proud of our people and how they responded to the scene yesterday and took care of Kristen while also doing their jobs.”
Gosnell went on to say, “At this time, based on the investigation and statements given by drivers, passengers, and witnesses, none of the six drivers involved will be charged.”
Lieutenant Gosnell said anyone with information regarding the identity of the black vehicle or the male driver involved in the incident should contact the Frederick County Sheriff’s Department.
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